title: The Cardiovascular Physiology of Sports and Exercise.
abstract: Athletes represent the extremes of human performance. Many of their remarkable abilities stem from a cardiovascular system that has adapted to meet the metabolic needs of exercising muscle. A large and compliant heart is a hallmark feature of athletes who engage in highly aerobic events. Despite high fitness levels, athletes may present with symptoms that limit performance. Understanding and dissecting these limitations requires a strong background in sports science and the factors that determine sports capabilities. This article reviews the basic principles of exercise physiology, cardiovascular adaptations unique to the "athlete's heart," and the utility of exercise testing in athletes.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, 7232 Greenville Avenue, Suite 435, Dallas, TX 75231, USA; Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, 8200 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75231, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
authors.forename: Mildred A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Opondo
authors.affiliation: Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, 7232 Greenville Avenue, Suite 435, Dallas, TX 75231, USA; Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, 8200 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75231, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
authors.forename: Satyam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sarma
authors.affiliation: Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, 7232 Greenville Avenue, Suite 435, Dallas, TX 75231, USA; Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, 8200 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75231, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA. Electronic address: BenjaminLevine@Texashealth.org.
authors.forename: Benjamin D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Levine
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D013178:Sports Medicine
keywords: Athlete; Exercise; Physiology; o(2)