Exercise therapy for older persons with cardiovascular disease

Cardiac rehabilitation with exercise training after myocardial infarction in persons younger than 70 years has been found to cause a significant decrease in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and fatal reinfarction, but no significant difference in nonfatal reinfarction. After myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization in older individuals, such programs significantly improve physical work capacity, body mass index, percent body fat, serum lipids, behavioral characteristics, and quality of life. Exercise modalities should include aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises. Less intense exercise of longer duration should be performed by older persons with coronary artery disease. Exercise training programs in patients with congestive heart failure produce significant improvement in peak oxygen consumption, exercise duration, and power output. The benefits of exercise training in patients with congestive heart failure may be due to an increase in cardiac output, an improvement in skeletal muscle metabolism, and an increase in peak blood flow to the exercising limb caused by a reduction in vascular resistance.     

Exercise physiology in cardiovascular diseases

Exercise testing protocols and training regimens are well established for patients recovering from myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass surgery. However, exercise rehabilitation programs for patients with peripheral arterial disease or left ventricular dysfunction with congestive heart failure have not been well developed. Several recent reports have established reproducible exercise testing protocols with objective measures of performance for patients with peripheral arterial disease and congestive heart failure. Using these testing methods to define changes in exercise capacity, exercise training programs have been shown to result in a significant increase in exercise performance and community-based quality of life. The mechanism of improvement appears to involve peripheral adaptations in skeletal muscle metabolism rather than increases in cardiac output or peripheral blood flow.     

Hemodynamic responses during aerobic and resistance exercise

PURPOSE: Resistance training has become an accepted part of cardiac rehabilitation programs. Because of the potential for a high afterload to have a negative impact on left ventricular function, there has been concern regarding the safety of resistance training for patients with congestive heart failure. METHODS: This study addressed this concern by studying 12 healthy volunteers, 12 patients with stable coronary artery disease, and 12 patients with stable congestive heart failure during upright cycling at 90% of ventilatory threshold, and during one set of 10 repeated leg presses, shoulder presses, and biceps curls at 60% to 70% of 1-repetition maximum. Left ventricular function was measured by echocardiography. RESULTS: The pattern of changes in heart rate, blood pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, wall thickness, and left ventricular internal diameters was similar across all three groups of subjects, although there were large differences in absolute values. Despite elevations in diastolic and mean arterial pressures during resistance exercise, there was no evidence of significant rest-to-exercise deterioration in left ventricular function during leg press (ejection fraction, 60%-59%, 56%-55%, and 38%-37%), shoulder press (66%-65%, 59%-53%, and 38%-35%), or biceps curls (63%-58%, 53%-54%, and 35%-36%), as compared with cycle ergometry (63%-69%, 51%-57%, and 35%-42%) in the healthy control subjects, the patients with coronary artery disease, and the patients with congestive heart failure, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular function remains stable during moderate-intensity resistance exercise, even in patients with congestive heart failure, suggesting that this form of exercise therapy can be used safely in rehabilitation programs.     

高强度间歇运动在冠心病患者中的应用

目前,心脏康复作为冠心病的二级预防已逐渐在临床中应用,它能够有效改善冠心病患者的预后和转归。运动康复是心脏康复的重要组成部分,可以提高冠心病患者的心肺功能和运动耐力,从而提高患者的生活质量,改善患者的预后。其中,高强度间歇运动（high-intensity interval training, HIIT）相比较于其他运动方式在改善患者心肺功能、血管内皮功能、生活质量等方面具有一定的优越性。但因其运动强度较高,心脏康复医师对其运动安全性等方面仍存在疑虑,这些因素制约了其在心脏康复中的应用。本综述分别对HIIT的定义、HIIT的适应症及禁忌症、HIIT在心肺功能与化验指标中的作用、对冠心病患者血管内皮功能以及生活质量的影响进行阐述,并对HIIT联合药物治疗的效果进行了归纳,从而为临床及运动康复策略研究提供新的思路和方向。     

Cardiac rehabilitation in the elderly]

Cardiac rehabilitation is an integral component of secondary prevention, and is indicated for patients with a wide variety of cardiac conditions, ranging from coronary artery disease to chronic heart failure. Best results are obtained with integrated, multicomponent cardiac rehabilitation programs, which include exercise training together with counseling and psychosocial measures that may help patients maintain sustained changes toward a more healthy lifestyle. Evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supports the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation on clinically relevant outcomes such as reduced long-term morbidity and mortality, enhanced functional profile and improved control of cardiovascular risk factors. However, the vast majority of this evidence derives from trials with only small numbers of patients > 70 years of age. In elderly patients the goal of cardiac rehabilitation may differ from those of younger patients, and include the preservation of mobility, self-sufficiency and mental function. Cardiac rehabilitation my represent an opportunity to provide effective health care and achieve a high quality of life for older patients. Future research programs should therefore be aimed at specifically investigating the efficacy and effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation in older, frail cardiac patients.     

A new paradigm for post-cardiac event resistance exercise guidelines

Existing guidelines for resistance exercise in cardiac rehabilitation are vague and/or overly restrictive, limiting the ability of cardiac rehabilitation programs to help patients achieve their desired levels of daily activity in a timely manner after cardiac events. This study examines the illogical nature of the existing guidelines in relation to the activities of daily living patients are expected or required to carry out during the period of cardiac rehabilitation and the existing recommendations for dynamic exercise in cardiac rehabilitation. An improved method is proposed for prescribing resistance exercise in cardiac rehabilitation. A tool is presented that stratifies the risk associated with each of 13 common resistance exercises for 3 cardiac rehabilitation diagnosis groups (myocardial infarction [MI], pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery) that, if used in conjunction with blood pressure and heart rate measurements, will safely facilitate more efficacious resistance training in cardiac rehabilitation patients. In conclusion, changing the approach to resistance exercise in cardiac rehabilitation will accelerate patients' return to their desired levels of daily activity, improving patient satisfaction and decreasing cardiac rehabilitation program attrition.     

心脏运动康复对PCI术后冠心病患者心肺功能及生活质量的影响

目的评价心脏运动康复对冠心病经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)术后患者心肺功能及生活质量的影响。方法入选确诊并已行PCI出院的冠心病患者110例,按个人意愿分为康复组和对照组各55例,收集患者的一般资料、入选时和运动治疗6月后心肺运动试验、心脏超声的相关指标及西雅图心绞痛量表(SAQ)等数据,并进行统计学分析,评估心脏运动康复对冠心病PCI术后患者心肺功能及生活质量的影响。结果 6个月运动康复治疗后,康复组患者无氧阈(AT)、最大摄氧量(VO2max)、氧脉搏(O2pulse)、最大运动时间、左心室射血分数(LVEF)、SAQ评分均优于干预前与对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0. 05)。结论心脏运动康复治疗可以改善冠心病PCI术后患者的心肺功能,提高患者的运动耐力及生活质量,是冠心病PCI术后患者二级预防的重要组成部分。     

Beneficial effects of endurance training on cardiac and skeletal muscle energy metabolism in heart failure

As endurance training improves symptoms and quality of life and decreases mortality rate and hospitalization, it is increasingly recognized as a beneficial practice for heart failure (HF) patients. However, the mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of exercise training are far from being understood and need further evaluation. Independent of hemodynamics effects, exercise training participates in tissue remodeling. While heart failure induces a generalized metabolic myopathy, adaptation to endurance training mainly improves energetic aspects of muscle function. In the present review, after presenting the main characteristics of cardiac and skeletal muscle energy metabolism and the effects of exercise training, we will discuss the evidence for the beneficial effects of endurance training on cardiac and skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism and intracellular energy transfer in HF. These beneficial effects of exercise training seen in heart failure patients are also relevant to other chronic diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and obesity) and even for highly sedentary or elderly individuals [Booth F.W., Chakravathy M.V., Spangenburg E.E. Exercise and gene expression: physiological regulation of the human genome through physical activity. J Physiol (Lond) 2002;543:399-411]. Physical rehabilitation is thus a major health issue for populations in industrialized countries.     

Cardiac rehabilitation in the elderly: patient selection and outcomes

In Western countries, the aging and improving survival of patients with coronary heart disease are responsible for an increasing number of older adults (65 years of age and older) who are eligible for cardiac rehabilitation. The elderly with coronary heart disease represent a special population with changes induced by aging and lifestyle, comorbidity, cognitive dysfunction, and high risk of disability. Although the elderly account for the majority of cardiac admissions and procedures, studies on cardiac rehabilitation have traditionally focused on younger patients. In aged experimental animals, there is evidence that exercise training is able to improve hemodynamic parameters and biologic markers. Moreover, in older patients, exercise improves functional capacity and reduces myocardial work, similar to that seen in younger patients. As for younger patients, cardiac rehabilitation requires a multidisciplinary approach, including comprehensive assessment, treatment of risk factors and comorbidity, and psychosocial assessment. Cardiac rehabilitation is safe and helpful for elderly coronary patients. Physicians must be encouraged to prescribe cardiac rehabilitation programs for the elderly following major coronary events and coronary revascularization procedures.     

The role of exercise in cardiovascular rehabilitation: a review

The epidemiological literature supports an inverse association and a dose-response gradient between exercise training and both cardiovascular disease in general and coronary artery disease in particular. An overwhelming number of studies has supported similar findings for hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity, diabetes, inflammatory and coagulation markers related to cardiovascular disease and cardiac heart failure. Findings are highly suggestive that endurance type exercise training, of moderate intensity most days of the week can lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension, can decrease triglyceride levels and increase HDL cholesterol levels in patients with dyslipidaemia, reduces body weight when combined with diet, improves insulin sensitivity, modifies the inflammatory process and finally can improve stroke volume and reduce cardiomegaly in patients with cardiac heart failure.     

The long-term effects of individual cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary artery disease

BackgroundThe positive effects of cardiac rehabilitation have been repeatedly described and are well-known over the short- and middle-term periods. However there is less knowledge about long-term outcomes in patients with chronic stable coronary artery disease.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of individual cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary artery disease.MethodsOne hundred fifty-two patients with stable coronary artery disease were retrospectively divided into two groups according to their adherence to individual physical activity recommendations, regardless of their participation in guided cardiac rehabilitation training. The IT+ group which participated in individual exercise programmes according to recommendations was compared with patients who declined these activities (the IT− group). The median follow-up period was 12.7 years.ResultsThe individual training had no long-term effect on survival after being checked for other possible contributing factors, but the multivariate analysis showed a significant association with the occurrence of cardiac events like myocardial infarction, unstable angina, coronary revascularization and hospitalization for heart failure: HR (95% CI) 0.51 (0.30–0.89); p = 0.017.ConclusionHome based cardiac rehabilitation and regular physical activity significantly improve long-term cardiac morbidity in patients with coronary artery disease.     

Recommendations for resistance exercise in cardiac rehabilitation. Recommendations of the German Federation for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation.

Aerobic endurance training has been an integral component of the international recommendations for cardiac rehabilitation for more than 30 years. Notwithstanding, only in recent years have recommendations for a dynamic resistance-training program been cautiously put forward. The perceived increased risk of cardiovascular complications related to blood pressure elevations are the primary concern with resistance training in cardiac patients; recent studies however have demonstrated that this need not be a contraindication in all cardiac patients. While blood pressure certainly may rise excessively during resistance training, the actual rise depends on a variety of controllable factors including magnitude of the isometric component, the load intensity, the amount of muscle mass involved as well as the number of repetitions and/or the load duration. Intra-arterial blood pressure measurements in cardiac patients have demonstrated that that during low-intensity resistance training [40-60% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC)] with 15-20 repetitions, only modest elevations in blood pressure are revealed, similar to those seen during moderate endurance training. When properly implemented by an experienced exercise therapist, in specific patient groups an individually tailored, medically supervised dynamic resistance training program carries no inherent higher risk for the patient than aerobic endurance training. As an adjunct to endurance training, in selected patients, resistance training can increase muscle strength and endurance, as well as positively influence cardiovascular risk factors, metabolism, cardiovascular function, psychosocial well-being and quality of life. According to present data, resistance training is however not recommended for all patient groups. The appropriate training method and correct performance are highly dependent on each patient's clinical status, cardiac stress tolerance and possible comorbidities. Most studies have used middle-aged men of average normal aerobic performance capacity and with good left-ventricular (LV) function. Data are lacking for high-risk groups, women and older patients. With the current knowledge it is reasonable to include resistance training without any restraints as part of cardiac rehabilitation programs for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with good cardiac performance capacity (i.e., revascularised and with good myocardial function). As patients with myocardial ischaemia and/or poor left ventricular function may develop wall motion disturbances and/or severe ventricular arrhythmias during resistance exercise, the following criteria are suggested for resistance training: moderate-to-good LV function, good cardiac performance capacity [>5-6 metabolic equivalents of oxygen consumption (METS)=1.4 watt/kg body weight], no symptoms of angina pectoris or ST segment depression under continued maintenance of the medical therapy. Based on available data, this article presents recommendations for risk stratification in cardiac rehabilitation programs with respect to the implementation of dynamic resistance training. Additional recommendations for specific patient groups and detailed directions showing how to structure and implement such therapy programs are presented as well.     

Clinical evidence for a health benefit from cardiac rehabilitation: an update

The recent decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to expand the indications for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) provides an opportunity to review the clinical evidence of the efficacy of exercise in the CR setting for patients who have experienced an acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, stable angina, percutaneous coronary intervention, chronic heart failure, cardiac transplant, or cardiac valve repair/replacement. Evidence shows that physician-directed, exercise-based CR positively affects the basic pathophysiology of coronary artery disease, the extent of disability and level of quality of life, and the ability to potentially impact events of both morbidity and mortality. The role of CR, including regular exercise, lifestyle modification, and appropriate medical therapy, is effective in younger and older men and women with cardiac diagnoses. The efficacy of this important therapeutic modality warrants its more widespread application.     

慢性心力衰竭患者耐量运动训练后体内神经激素的变化

目的　研究耐量运动训练能否对慢性心力衰竭 (CHF)患者血浆中精氨酸血管加压素 (AVP) ,心钠素 (ANP) ,血管紧张素Ⅱ (AngⅡ )和醛固酮 (Aldo)水平有影响 ,延缓病程进展。方法　 12例CHF患者 (冠心病 ,心功能为Ⅱ～Ⅲ级 ,NYHA)隔天在监护下进行耐量运动训练 ,为期 12 0d。在进行耐量运动训练之前和之后 ,采用放射免疫法检测每一患者血浆中在静息状态下和极量平板运动后上述神经激素的水平。结果　经 12 0d的耐量运动训练后 ,静息状态下上述血浆神经激素水平较耐量运动训练前显著降低 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,但极量平板运动后与耐量运动训练前比较则差异无显著性意义 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论　耐量运动训练可降低CHF患者在静息状态下血浆AVP、ANP、AngⅡ和Aldo的水平 ,因此 ,可能有益于延缓CHF患者病程进展。     

Assessing the effect of exercise training in men with heart failure; comparison of maximal, submaximal and endurance exercise protocols.

AIMS: No consensus exists regarding the most appropriate exercise testing protocol for patients with congestive heart failure. This study describes the effect of exercise training on performance using three different protocols (maximal, submaximal and endurance testing) in patients with heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty men (mean age 67+/-8 years) with congestive heart failure in NYHA class III (mean ejection fraction 32+/-5%) were evaluated prior to and following exercise training. A maximal exercise cycle test with gas exchange measurements, a submaximal 6 min walk test and an endurance treadmill test with blood lactate sampling were used to evaluate exercise capacity after 12 weeks of exercise training. There was a 44.6% (P<0.001) increase in work performed during the maximal cycle test, with no significant increase in peak VO(2). The distance covered by the submaximal 6 min walk test increased by 8.1% (P<0.001). Lactate measured as area under the curve during the matched work intensity treadmill endurance test was reduced by 19.5% (P<0.005). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated a significant improvement in maximal, submaximal and endurance exercise capacity following 12 weeks of exercise training in patients with congestive heart failure. Endurance tests may be more sensitive and appropriate when assessing the efficacy of intervention in this population. Specifically, demonstration of reduced lactate production at matched work intensities suggests more efficient work and decreased dependence on anaerobic metabolism following training. Although maximal cycle tests are commonly used in clinical work, submaximal and endurance testing might be preferable for evaluating new treatment regimens in this population as they are easy to perform, are reproducible, and reflect daily tasks better than the maximal cycle test in this population.     

Individualized preventive care in cardiac rehabilitation: adapted from AACVPR Award of Excellence Lecture, Charleston, WVa, October, 2006

The benefits of individualizing risk factor therapies and exercise protocols in patients participating in early outpatient cardiac rehabilitation are reviewed. Risk factor intervention modules for modifications of lipid abnormalities and obesity are outlined. Specific individualized exercise regimens are described for patients characterized by the presence of obesity, older age, intermittent claudication, and chronic heart failure, which provide favorable outcomes related to risk factor measures and physical functioning. With adoption and application of an individualized approach for cardiac rehabilitation patients, programs are evolving to become secondary prevention centers for patients with established coronary heart disease.     

Swimming and the heart

Exercise training is accepted to be beneficial in lowering morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiac disease. Swimming is a popular recreational activity, gaining recognition as an effective option in maintaining and improving cardiovascular fitness. Swimming is a unique form of exercise, differing from land-based exercises such as running in many aspects including medium, position, breathing pattern, and the muscle groups used. Water immersion places compressive forces on the body with resulting physiologic effects. We reviewed the physiologic effects and cardiovascular responses to swimming, the cardiac adaptations to swim training, swimming as a cardiac disease risk factor modifier, and the effects of swimming in those with cardiac disease conditions such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and the long-QT syndrome.     

Influence of beta-adrenergic blockade on the hemodynamic effects of physical training in patients with ischemic heart disease

Beta-blocking agents are widely used in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease. Their negative chronotropic and inotropic actions may alter the effects of physical training in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Therefore, resting and exercise cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, and arteriovenous oxygen content difference were measured before and after training in 15 male patients with coronary artery disease, who were treated with beta blockers, and in a control group of 14 patients not treated with beta-blocking agents. At the end of a 3-month training period, oxygen uptake at peak exercise increased similarly in the two groups, 37% and 34%, respectively; this was related to increases in stroke volume and heart rate, and therefore cardiac output, and to increases in arteriovenous oxygen content difference. The effects were similar whether or not the patients were treated with beta blockers. Also, at rest and submaximal exercise, beta blockade did not affect the training-induced changes of cardiac output, heart rate, and arteriovenous oxygen content difference. In both groups heart rate decreased with training while stroke volume and cardiac output increased significantly. In conclusion, beta blockade did not significantly alter the hemodynamic effects of training.