Exercise training in heart failure improves quality of life and exercise capacity

Aims Benefit from exercise training in heart failure has mainly beenshown in men with ischaemic disease. We aimed to examine theeffects of exercise training in heart failure patients 75 yearsold of both sexes and with various aetiology. Methods and Results Fifty-four patients with stable mild-to-moderate heart failurewere randomized to exercise or control, and 49 completed thestudy (49% 65 years; 29% women; 24% non-ischaemic aetiology;training, n=22; controls, n=27). The exercise programme consistedof bicycle training at 80% of maximal intensity over a periodof 4 months.Improvements vs controls were found regarding maximalexercise capacity (6±12 vs –4±12% [mean±SD],P<0·01)and global quality-of-life (2 [1] vs 0 [1] units [median {inter-quartilerange}],P<0·01), but not regarding maximal oxygenconsumption or the dyspnoea–fatigue index. All of thesefour variables significantly improved in men with ischaemicaetiology compared with controls (n=11). However, none of thesevariables improved in women with ischaemic aetiology (n=5),or in patients with non-ischaemic aetiology (n=6). The trainingresponse was independent of age, left ventricular systolic function,and maximal oxygen consumption. No training-related adverseeffects were reported. Conclusion Supervised exercise training was safe and beneficial in heartfailure patients 75 years, especially in men with ischaemicaetiology. The effects of exercise training in women and patientswith non-ischaemic aetiology should be further examined.