Exercise training after coronary angioplasty improves cardiorespiratory function.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the impact of long-term aerobic exercise training on respiratory function, left ventricular systolic function and remodeling in patients with coronary heart disease and ischemic heart failure after successful angioplasty.


METHODS
Patients (n=185) have undergone Doppler echocardiography and ergospirometry. Ninety-five patients practiced 6 month-term aerobic exercise training, less by 10% to their anaerobic threshold. Ninety patients were studied as controls. They were given only drug treatment without training. Measurements were repeated after 6 and 12 months.


RESULTS
Training group patients after 6 months showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in exercise capacity, oxygen consumption and ventilating equivalents. The Doppler echocardiographic findings revealed significant (p<0.05) improvement in ejection fraction, left ventricular and atria morphometric data. Improved ergospirometric and echocardiographic data were established after 12 months, too.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term aerobic exercise training is an effective and workable measure improving respiratory efficiency, left ventricular systolic function, attenuating negative remodeling and stopping further progression in patients with coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure after successful angioplasty.
Vasiliauskas
Donatas
D
Laboratory of Cardiological Rehabilitation, Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania. donatas@kmu.lt
Benetis
Rimantas
R
Jasiukeviciene
Lina
L
Grizas
Vytautas
V
Marcinkeviciene
Jolanta
J
Navickas
Ramunas
R
Leimoniene
Lina
L
D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012119:Respiration; D013147:Spirometry; D013599:Systole; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left; D020257:Ventricular Remodeling