OBJECTIVE: Endothelial dysfunction contributes to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease and heart failure (HF) and is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is widely utilised to assess endothelial function and is improved with exercise training in heart failure patients. The aim of this meta-analysis is to quantify the effect of exercise training in patients with heart failure. BACKGROUND: A large number of studies now exist that have examined endothelial function in patients with heart failure. We sought to add to the current literature by quantifying the effect of exercise training on endothelial function. METHODS: We conducted database searches (PubMed, Embase, PROQUEST and Cochrane Trials Register to June 2016) for exercise based rehabilitation trials in heart failure, using search terms exercise training, endothelial function, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). RESULTS: The 16 included studies provided a total of 529 participants, 293 in an intervention and 236 in controls groups. FMD was improved with exercise training in exercise versus control, SMD of 1.08 (95%CI 0.70 to 1.46, p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Overall exercise training improved endothelial function, assessed via FMD, and endothelial progenitor cells in heart failure patients.

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