IGF-1: The Secret Of The Enlarged Hearts In Elite Rowers

Friday, August 8, 2008 - 00:56 in Health & Medicine

Scientists have unravelled a potential mechanism for how top-level rowers develop enlarged strengthened hearts as a result of long-term intensive training. The research in the August edition of Clinical Endocrinology suggests a causal link between naturally occurring hormone levels and strengthening of the heart muscle in professional rowers. Elite rowers were found to have higher levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) compared to healthy sedentary volunteers. In these athletes, IGF-1 values correlate with enlargement and strengthening of heart muscle cells. IGF-1 is a hormone that is produced by the liver in response to growth hormone stimulation. Read More...

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