Cardiovascular Evaluation in Sport Horses using Elerctrocardiography, Blood Pressure and Cardiac Troponin T
Keywords:
warmblood horse, equine cardiology, exercise training management.Abstract
The continuous development of equestrian sports in Romania has increased interest in the medical monitoring of horses involved in competitive activities. In this context, the warmblood population represents one of the main genetic resources used in show jumping and other equestrian disciplines. Repeated physical exertion induces physiological cardiovascular adaptations; however, in certain individuals it may also promote transient functional disturbances or processes of myocardial overload. The present study aimed to provide an integrated evaluation of the cardiovascular response to exercise through electrocardiography, arterial blood pressure assessment, and cardiac troponin T measurement. Six adult sport horse individuals were examined at rest, immediately after a standardized exercise protocol, and after 10 minutes of recovery. The results revealed post-exercise sinus tachycardia, variable heart rate recovery, marked increases in systolic blood pressure, and mild changes in the amplitude of electrocardiographic complexes. Cardiac troponin T increased from 2.818 pg/mL before exercise to 3.062 pg/mL after exercise, without statistical significance (p>0.05). These findings highlight the value of integrated cardiovascular monitoring for the assessment of exercise adaptation and the early identification of exercise-associated cardiovascular stress in Sport Horses.
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