In this study we investigated resting left ventricular structure and functi
on in elite female weightlifters. Fifteen National Squad members [mean age
(SD) 25 (6) years] were compared to a recreationally active control group [
n = 46, 23 (3) years]. Subjects were matched for body mass, body surface ar
ea and fat free mass, but the controls were slightly taller (P < 0.01). Ath
letes and controls demonstrated similar resting heart rates and blood press
ures. Septal wall (ST), posterior wall (PWT) and left ventricular internal
dimension in diastole and systole (LVIDd and LVIDs, respectively) were meas
ured from M-mode echocardiograms. Calculations were made for left ventricul
ar mass (LVM), mass-volume ratio (m:V), wall-thickness-cavity dimension rat
io (h:R) and systolic function. Left ventricular filling velocities were de
termined via Doppler echocardiography. ST [9.0 (1.1) vs 7.7 (1.0) mm] and P
WT [8.7 (1.4) vs 7.5(1.3) mm] were greater, whereas LVIDd [46.2 (2.8) vs 48
.4 (3.4) mm] was smaller in the weightlifters (P < 0.05). After allometrica
lly adjusting for differences in height, the weightlifters had a greater ST
, PWT and LVM (P < 0.05) and similar LVIDd. Both m:V and h:R were increased
in the weightlifters (P < 0.05). All functional data were within normal li
mits and no group differences were observed. The female weight-lifters demo
nstrated a concentric left ventricular enlargement that was not detrimental
to left ventricular performance at rest.