Abstract

Introduction: The N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been proposed as a marker for evaluating and monitoring cardiac abnormalities characterized by myocardial wall stress. Strenuous exercise may generate transitory ischemia, myocardial stress, and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction, resulting in increased production of NT-proBNP suggestive of incipient heart disease. The purpose of this research was to examine  the response of NT-proBNP to a soccer game in adolescent male soccer players.

Methods: In this quasi-exprimental research, 22 adolescent male soccer players (mean age 15.39±0.44 years, BMI 19.89±1.89 kg/m2) were selected in a purposive manner. Protocol was include a soccer game. NT-proBNP was assayed from blood samples collected at rest, immediately post- and at 2 hour and 24 hour post-exercise.

Results: The result showed that significantly increased the levels of serum NT-proBNP in immediately  and 2 hour post soccer game in adolescent male soccer players, but not in level of serum NT-proBNP in 24 hour post exercise.

Conclusions: finding of this study shows that NT-proBNP levels increase significantly in adolescent male soccer players after a soccer game, but this increase – although statistically significant - is clinically within the normal physiological range; moreover, the increase is temporary in nature and returns to normal resting level 24 hours after the game. Finally, it seems that in this age groupwith this level of fitness, soccer game doens not result in a dangerous rise in NT-proBNP levels and is cardiacly safe.