Introduction: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) plays very important role in assessment of heart's structure and function in elite athletes. The aim of a study was to compare physiological heart hypertrophy depending on intensity of isometric exertion in different sport disciplines among members of Polish National Olympic Team, Athens 2004. Material and methods: 79 athletes (24 women and 55 men) aged 19-37 took part in the study. They were divided in two groups: sports with high level of isometric (static) exertion component (n=41) and sports with low or medium isometric exertion component (n=38). In all cases TTE was performed. In order to properly compare the results body surface area (BSA) was considered. Results: 1. All statistically significant differences in heart diameters are presented in Table 1. 2. Systolic and diastolic function: FS and EF were lower in "static" 2,7 in "static" group and 2,1 in "non-static" (p<0,001). 3. Valves function ("static" vs "non-static"): Ttranstricuspid gradient 23,9 mmHg vs 19,9 mmHg (p<0,0001). Trace aortic insufficiency occurrence 9,76% vs 5,3%. Conclusion: 1. The static component of exertion in given discipline (without considering dynamic exertion load) is an independent factor associated with concentric type of heart remodeling in elite athletes. 2. Higher isometric exertion component is connected with more frequent occurrence of aortic regurgitation. 3. The load of isometric training has influence en echocardiographic diastolic and systolic parameters. 4. In sport disciplines with higher level of static exertion right heart ventricle seems to be more loaded.
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