Ngongang OC¹, Tsambang L³, Azabji KM², Mfeukeu-Kuate L², Nganou CN¹, Hamadou¹, Boombhi J¹, Chendjou KLO⁴, Wandji J¹, Jonte P¹, Bitchou M¹, Tachim K³, Essono A³, Kaze FJ¹, Ouankou MD¹, Kingue S², Ngu BK², MandengueHS⁵

Authors’ affiliations

1. Internal medicine and specialities - Yaounde University Hospital Center 
2. Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences - University of Yaounde I
3. Higher Institute of Medical Technology Nkolondom Yaounde
4. Université Des Montagnes : Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé (ISSS)
5. Douala University: Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Abstract

Background: Features of cardiac adaptation with practice of intense regular physical activities are described in athletes, but little focus is carried on the particular differences female athletes present as compared to male athletes especially in black African. Our study focused in bringing out the differences in Cameroonian athletes.

Methods and Results: We enrolled 151 participants, 56.95% male and 43.05% female athletes for a male to female ratio of 1.3:1.Participants were professionally trained athletes, aging from 20 to 35 years and with at least one year of high intensity practice of physical activity. Sporting disciplines comprised Basketball, Football, Handball, Martial arts and Volleyball. We excluded pregnant women and subjects with cardiovascular diseases. The study was conducted at the National Institute of Youth and Sports. Ethical clearance and research authorization were obtained. Data collected from consenting participants was compiled using CSPro version 6.0 and the statistical analysis done with SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel 2010. The Chi square test for comparison of proportions, the ANOVA test (analysis of variance) and student test for comparison of means. Statistical significance was set at p = 0.05.Female (75.4%) and male (83.7%) trained over 10 hours weekly. Men exhibited statistically significant pronounces anthropometric and hemodynamic characteristics compared to female participants. Left ventricular hypertrophy mainly concerned male athletes. No significant differences were noted in the type of heart rhythm recorded between female and male athletes in each sporting discipline. Most athletes were in regular sinus rhythm. In each sporting disciplines bradycardia was more frequent and pronounced in male athletes. Comparing echocardiographic parameters adjusted to body surface area between female and male athletes showed greater dimensions for men.

Conclusion: This study has enabled to have precisions on the Athletes heart syndrome. Clear differences were demonstrated between male and female athletes, with more pronounced adaptation changes being exhibited by male athletes.

Key Words: Athlete’s heart syndrome; Gender; Sporting discipline; Cameroon