Effect of Exercise Training on Biochemical Markers and Echocardiographic Determinants of Cardiac Systolic and Diastolic Functions in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure

Abstract

T his study was done to identify the Effect of low intensity aerobic exercise training on biochemical markers and Echocardiographic Determinants of cardiac Systolic and Diastolic Functions in Patients with LV Systolic Heart Failure. The present study was conducted on 40 patients of all age groups and of both sexes, referred to Ain-Shams University hospital for cardiac rehabilitation program with LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF<40%) who were recruited during the period between October, 2013 and January, 2015.They were on optimal medical treatment for heart failure (for at least one month). All patients had full history and thorough physical examination and BMI, BNP, hsCRP, 12 lead surface ECG, echocardiography were done before and after recruitment in a 3 months exercise training program. We found not only statistically significant improvement in many echocardiographic determinants of both LV systolic and diastolic function but also LV reverse remodeling was observed in 20% of patients in the study group. There was also statistically significant improvement in functional capacity and exercise tolerance, statistically significant reduction in mean blood pressure, heart rate and blood measured BNP level. There was no statistically significant change in blood measured hsCRP level. These findings were consistent with most of the previous studies in the same field.