OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether structured exercise training (ET) improves maximal exercise capacity, left ventricular diastolic function, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). BACKGROUND: Nearly one-half of patients with heart failure experience HFpEF, but effective therapeutic strategies are sparse. METHODS: A total of 64 patients (age 65 +/- 7 years, 56% female) with HFpEF were prospectively randomized (2:1) to supervised endurance/resistance training in addition to usual care (ET, n = 44) or to usual care alone (UC) (n = 20). The primary endpoint was the change in peak VO2 after 3 months. Secondary endpoints included effects on cardiac structure, diastolic function, and QoL. RESULTS: Peak VO2 increased (16.1 +/- 4.9 ml/min/kg to 18.7 +/- 5.4 ml/min/kg; p < 0.001) with ET and remained unchanged (16.7 +/- 4.7 ml/min/kg to 16.0 +/- 6.0 ml/min/kg; p = NS) with UC. The mean benefit of ET was 3.3 ml/min/kg (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8 to 4.8, p < 0.001). E/e' (mean difference of changes -3.2, 95% CI -4.3 to -2.1, p < 0.001) and left atrial volume index (milliliters per square meter) decreased with ET and remained unchanged with UC (-4.0, 95% CI -5.9 to -2.2, p < 0.001). The physical functioning score (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) improved with ET and remained unchanged with UC (15, 95% CI 7 to 24, p < 0.001). The ET-induced decrease of E/e' was associated with 38% gain in peak VO2 and 50% of the improvement in physical functioning score. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training improves exercise capacity and physical dimensions of QoL in HFpEF. This benefit is associated with atrial reverse remodeling and improved left ventricular diastolic function.
With permission from Excerpta Medica Inc.

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