Can being a prior endurance athlete (but not currently trained) permanently affect cardiac output resulting in high numbers when all else is normal?

Athletic Heart: Interesting question! former athletes have been shown to have more left ventricular hypertrophy or thickened hearts that usually lessens with age and deconditioning. A thick heart can lead to poor heart filling by increased stiffness. A condition called diastolic dysfunction. This can lead to a type of congestive heart failure if it persists. Controlling hr and BP via meds can help.