Original Article

Exercise training can help recovery of ımpaired aortic elasticity at young smokers

10.5455/gulhane.31439

  • Zekeriya Arslan
  • Mustafa Aparcı
  • Murat Ünlü
  • Murat Tavlaşoğlu
  • Sait Demirkol

Received Date: 15.01.2013 Accepted Date: 15.05.2013 Gulhane Med J 2014;56(1):17-20

Although it has been shown that increased aortic stiffness and decreased aortic strain (AS) in smoker individuals, and improved aortic elastic properties with exercise training (ET), there is no satisfied evidence revealing how the regular ET influences this harmful effect of smoking. We aimed to evaluate this effect in young adults in this study.75 smoker and 36 non-smoker individuals who stated that hadn’t done regular exercise previously were enrolled to study. İndividuals who were not able to perform exercise or changed smoking habit were excluded. Body mass indexes (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP) were recorded. Aortic systolic (ASD) and diastolic diameters (ADD) were measured from the same view on the M-mode tracing at a level of 3 cm above the aortic valve on echocar diographic examination. Hence AS, aortic distensibility (AD) and p stiffness index (pSI) were calculated. Then ali of the individuals were underwent exercise protocol. After exercise period, the parameters mentioned above measured again and aortic strain and distensibility recalculated. Before ET, there were no any significant difference in age, BMI,BP and pulse pressure, interventricular septum thickness and LV ejection fractions between two groups. However AS and AD in smokers were significantly lower and pSI was higher than those of Controls. AS, AD and pSI of both groups improved with the ET.

This study revealed that smoking affects aortic strain and distensibility, indicators of atherosclerotic process, adversely even in young ages similar to shown in previously. However regular exercise can help to recovery of aortic elastic properties.