[Role of physical training in cardiac rehabilitation in patients with congestive heart failure]

Abstract

Patients with stable heart failure show decreased exercise tolerance and consequently quality of life. The reduced physical capacity in these patients is a result of decreased strength of skeletal muscles and even their atrophy. The physical activity is limited by metabolic disorders and histological changes in myocytes. Dysfunction of respiratory muscles plays a role in the development of exertional dyspnea. Patients with stable heart failure are recommended to perform low or moderate physical training, which improves exercise tolerance. Intensive physical training in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction improves maximal oxygen consumption through increased left ventricular stroke and increased arteriovenous difference. Recent studies indicate that regular physical training has a positive physiological effect on exercise tolerance, and decreases dyspnea and fatigue, in many patients with heart failure.