exercise-induced cardiac dysfunction
Acute or chronic impairment of cardiac function that develops as a direct result of exercise stress, requiring immediate activity restriction.
Full Definition
Exercise-induced cardiac dysfunction encompasses a range of conditions where physical exertion directly causes or significantly worsens cardiac functional impairment. This may manifest as acute depression of left ventricular function during or immediately following exercise, chronic deterioration of cardiac performance with continued training, or exercise-specific dysfunction that resolves at rest. The condition differs from exercise intolerance in that it represents measurable impairment of cardiac mechanical function rather than simply reduced exercise capacity. Sports cardiologists must distinguish this from normal post-exercise cardiac fatigue and evaluate for underlying cardiomyopathies, ischemic heart disease, or other structural abnormalities. Recognition of exercise-induced cardiac dysfunction is critical for preventing progression to more serious cardiac complications.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier; distinguish from exercise intolerance in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Serial echocardiograms revealed progressive exercise-induced cardiac dysfunction, prompting immediate withdrawal from competitive swimming." — Sports cardiology follow-up note
- "The differential diagnosis for exercise-induced cardiac dysfunction includes infiltrative cardiomyopathies and subclinical ischemic disease." — Cardiology case presentation