Left ventricular global longitudinal strain as a parameter of mild myocardial dysfunction in athletes after COVID-19

Left ventricular function in athletes after COVID-19 was assessed by strain measurement. GLS was significantly lower and diastolic function significantly reduced in athletes who did not have a history of LV dysfunction but had a positive COVID-19 test compared with healthy control athletes. We found no association between GLS and acute symptoms during COVID-19. GLS determination could be used as a screening element for early detection of myocardial dysfunction during return-to-sport examinations.