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Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2002; (34); 467-471; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05467.x

Heart size estimated by echocardiography correlates with maximal oxygen uptake.

Abstract: Maximum oxygen uptake also appears to correlate to athletic performance in horses. In the Thoroughbred industry, there has long been an empirical theory that heart size is related to athletic performance, despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting this assertion. To investigate the relationship between peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) and cardiac size measured by echocardiography, guided M-mode and 2-dimensional echocardiography were performed in 17 conditioned Thoroughbreds with a range of VO2max from 126 to 217 ml/min/kg STPD (mean +/- s.d. 158 +/- 28 m/min/kg). Horses were age 2-10 years and weighed 430-510 kg. Echocardiography was performed using a Vingmed System V echocardiograph with a 2.25 MHz phased array ultrasound transducer. All images were obtained from the right hemithorax using a short axis view of the left ventricle (LV) at the level of the chordae tendinae. All horses were free from significant regurgitation at the aortic or mitral valves. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured during a standardised incremental treadmill exercise test to fatigue. Maximal oxygen uptake was correlated significantly with LVIDd (r = 0.71; P = 0.001), MWT (r = 0.72; P = 0.001), LV mass (r = 0.78; P = 0.0002) and LV short-axis area (r = 0.69; P = 0.003). When indices of heart size were indexed to bodyweight, the correlation between VO2max and indices of heart size were LVIDd (r = 0.57; P = 0.01), MWT (r = 0.44; P = 0.07), LV mass (r = 0.78; P = 0.0002) and LV short-axis area (r = 0.69; P = 0.003). The current study suggests there is a strong relationship between VO2max and measurements of left ventricular size in Thoroughbred horses when individuals with a range of VO2max are compared.
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Publication Date: 2002-10-31 PubMed ID: 12405735DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05467.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates the correlation between the size of the heart in thoroughbred horses and their maximal oxygen uptake. The findings suggest a significant relationship between the two, providing some scientific backing to the long-held theory within the horse industry.

Methodology

  • The study involved 17 thoroughbred horses aged between 2 to 10 years and weighing between 430-510 kg.
  • The researchers used M-mode and 2-dimensional echocardiography to estimate the heart size of the horses. These procedures were guided by a Vingmed System V echocardiograph with a 2.25 MHz phased array ultrasound transducer.
  • Images of the left ventricle were obtained from the right hemithorax via a short-axis view for all horses. It was ensured that all horses in the study were free from significant regurgitation at the aortic or mitral valves.

Measurements and Calculations

  • The researchers measured the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). This measurement illustrates a horse’s capacity to absorb, transport, and consume oxygen. It is calculated during a standard incremental treadmill exercise test to fatigue.
  • The study involves a range of VO2max levels, from 126 to 217 millilitres per minute per kilogram Standard Temperature and Pressure Dry (ml/min/kg STPD), with an average of 158 ml/min/kg.

Findings

  • The researchers found significant correlations between VO2max and several measurements of the horses’ hearts, such as the left ventricular internal diameter during diastole (LVIDd), thickness of the myocardial wall (MWT), left ventricular (LV) mass, and left ventricular short-axis area.
  • The correlations were strongest when heart size indices were normalised to body weight. Particularly, the correlation coefficients for VO2max with LVIDd, MWT, LV mass, and LV short-axis area were 0.57, 0.44, 0.78, and 0.69 respectively.

Conclusion

  • The results of the study suggest a strong relationship between VO2max and measurements of left ventricular size in thoroughbred horses.
  • The findings provide a scientific basis to the long-established theory that heart size is related to athletic performance in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Young LE, Marlin DJ, Deaton C, Brown-Feltner H, Roberts CA, Wood JL. (2002). Heart size estimated by echocardiography correlates with maximal oxygen uptake. Equine Vet J Suppl(34), 467-471. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05467.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 34
Pages: 467-471

Researcher Affiliations

Young, L E
    Marlin, D J
      Deaton, C
        Brown-Feltner, H
          Roberts, C A
            Wood, J L N

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Cardiac Output / physiology
              • Echocardiography / methods
              • Echocardiography / veterinary
              • Female
              • Heart / anatomy & histology
              • Heart / physiology
              • Heart Function Tests
              • Heart Rate
              • Heart Septum / diagnostic imaging
              • Heart Ventricles / diagnostic imaging
              • Horses / anatomy & histology
              • Horses / physiology
              • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
              • Linear Models
              • Male
              • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
              • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
              • Physical Exertion / physiology

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