Cited 65 times since 2007 (3.6 per year) source: EuropePMC Journal of cardiac failure, Volume 13, Issue 4, 1 1 2007, Pages 294-303 Effect of exercise training on autonomic derangement and neurohumoral activation in chronic heart failure. Gademan MG, Swenne CA, Verwey HF, van der Laarse A, Maan AC, van de Vooren H, van Pelt J, van Exel HJ, Lucas CM, Cleuren GV, Somer S, Schalij MJ, van der Wall EE
Background
In chronic heart failure (CHF), persistent autonomic derangement and neurohumoral activation cause structural end-organ damage, decrease exercise capacity, and reduce quality of life. Beneficial effects of pharmacotherapy and of exercise training in CHF have been documented at various functional and structural levels. However, pharmacologic treatment can not yet reduce autonomic derangement and neurohumoral activation in CHF to a minimum. Various studies suggest that exercise training is effective in this respect.
Methods and results
After reviewing the available evidence we conclude that exercise training increases baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability, and reduces sympathetic outflow, plasma levels of catecholamines, angiotensin II, vasopressin, and brain natriuretic peptides at rest.
Conclusions
Exercise training has direct and reflex sympathoinhibitory beneficial effects in CHF. The mechanism by which exercise training normalizes autonomic derangement and neurohumoral activation is to elucidate for further development of CHF-related training programs aimed at maximizing efficacy while minimizing workload.
