Cardiorespiratory fitness and right ventricular mechanics in uncomplicated diabetic patients: Is there any relationship?

Aims This study investigated the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and right ventricular (RV) strain in uncomplicated diabetic patients. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 70 controls and 61 uncomplicated patients with type 2 diabetes, who underwent laboratory analysis, comprehensive echocardiographic study and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Results RV endocardial and mid-myocardial longitudinal strains were significantly reduced in diabetic subjects (− 27.5 ± 4.2% vs. − 25.3 ± 4.3%, p = 0.004 for endocardial strain; − 25.6 ± 3.5% vs. − 24.1 ± 3.2%, p = 0.012 for mid-myocardial strain). The same was revealed for endocardial and mid-myocardial of RV free wall. There was no difference in RV epicardial strain. VO 2 was significantly lower in the diabetic group (27.8 ± 4.5 ml/kg/min vs. 21.5 ± 4.2 ml/kg/min, p