Exercise as a nonpharmacologic intervention in patients with heart failure

Abstract

For patients with heart failure (HF), dyspnea and fatigue resulting in diminished exercise tolerance are among the main factors that contribute to decreased social and physical functioning and quality of life. There has long been evidence to suggest that measures of cardiac function, such as ejection fraction and cardiac output, only poorly correlate with a patient's exercise capacity, indicating the involvement of factors other than those impacting central circulation. The lack of a close correlation between central hemodynamics and exercise tolerance has led to investigations into alterations in the periphery, such as abnormalities in vascular endothelial function, hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, and changes in structure and oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle, which are commonly seen in patients with HF. Over the past 2 decades, numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the beneficial impact of exercise training on skeletal muscle energy metabolism, vascular function, and ventilatory capacity, which correlate with improvements in exercise tolerance, hospitalization rates, and quality of life of patients with HF. In accordance with recent guidelines established by the leading cardiology societies in the United States and Europe, physicians are urged to emphasize exercise training for all clinically stable patients with HF using individualized protocols that feature early mobilization after acute exacerbations of the disease and gradual increases in intensity.

Figure 1

Central and peripheral derangements in patients with heart failure contributing to impaired exercise tolerance. HR – heart rate; HTN – hypertension; LV – left ventricle; SV – stroke volume.