In his practice at Cardiology Associates of Frederick in Maryland, Dr. Hitesh Patel treats patients of all ages. Dr. Hitesh Patel has diverse experience in the treatment of congestive heart failure and advocates consistently for heart health.
In December of 2017, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society published the results of a study that investigated the effects of exercise training on peak oxygen uptake in older adults with heart failure. Researchers assessed data from cases involving heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) as well as those involving heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), as prior research had not yet made such a comparison.
Study participants were all aged 65 or older, and all had chronic AF with a stable regimen of medication. Subjects participated in a 16-week course of thrice-weekly supervised exercise regimens, which included 15- to 20-minute periods within an hour-long session.
Data from this activity revealed a 9.2 percent improvement in peak oxygen uptake across both groups, though improvement was greater in patients with HFpEF. Review of absolute peak oxygen uptake revealed similar patterns.
The typical exercise intolerance in patients with HF and specifically HFpEF serves as further support that exercise training improves measurable results in these patients. This is particularly notable considering the consistent failure of pharmacological treatments in generating mortality benefits. Therefore, researchers have suggested the findings prompt a review of cardiac rehabilitation coverage for HFpEF patients so that they can more easily access exercise training.
