Effect of exercise training on central aortic pressure wave reflection in coronary artery disease.
BACKGROUND
Arterial stiffness is an important factor for cardiovascular performance and a predictor of cardiovascular risk. We investigated the effect of exercise training on arterial stiffness in coronary artery disease (CAD).


METHODS
Arterial stiffness was assessed before and after 12 weeks of either exercise training or standard care in CAD patients. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by aortic augmentation index and time delay of the reflected wave (Deltat) using the SphygmoCor system.


RESULTS
The augmentation index decreased (30% v 26%, P <.05) and Deltat increased (136 msec v 144 msec, P <.05) in patients with CAD after 12 weeks of exercise.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that endurance exercise training improves systemic arterial stiffness in individuals with CAD.
Edwards
David G
DG
Department of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA. David.Edwards@unh.edu
Schofield
Richard S
RS
Magyari
Peter M
PM
Nichols
Wilmer W
WW
Braith
Randy W
RW
D000368:Aged; D001011:Aorta / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003971:Diastole / Q000502:physiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013599:Systole / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors