Exercise capacity in chronic heart failure

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) affects more than 5 million people and has an increasing incidence and cost burden. Patients note symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue that result in a decreased quality of life, which has not drastically improved over the past decades despite advances in therapies. The assessment of exercise capacity can provide information regarding patient diagnosis and prognosis, while doubling as a potential future therapy. Clinically, there is acceptance that exercise is safe in HF and can have a positive impact on morbidity and quality of life, although evidence for improvement in mortality is still lacking. Specific prescriptions for exercise training have not been developed because many variables and confounding factors have prevented research trials from demonstrating an ideal regimen. Physicians are becoming more aware of the indices and goals for HF patients in exercise testing and therapy to provide comprehensive cardiac care. It is further postulated that a combination of exercise training and pharmacologic therapy may eventually provide the most benefits to those suffering from HF. © Touch briefings 2012.