title: No effect of group-based aerobic interval training on N-terminal pro- B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with chronic heart failure.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Exercise training might improve cardiac function as well as functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP), is associated with the severity of the disease, and has been reported to be an independent predictor of outcome in CHF. We evaluated the effect of a four months group-based aerobic interval training program on circulating levels of NT pro-BNP in patients with CHF. We have previously reported improved functional capacity in 80 patients after exercise in this exercise program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-eight patients with stable CHF (21% women; 70+/-8 years; left ventricular ejection fraction 30+/-8.6%) on optimal medical treatment were randomized either to interval training (n=39), or to a control group (n=39). Circulating levels of NT pro-BNP, a six minute walk test (6MWT) and cycle ergometer test were evaluated at baseline, post exercise, and further after 12 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences in NT pro-BNP levels from baseline to either post exercise or long-term follow-up between or within the groups. Inverse correlations were observed between NT pro-BNP and 6MWT (r=-0.24, p=0.035) and cycle exercise time (r=-0.48, p<0.001) at baseline. But no significant correlations were observed between change in NT pro-BNP and change in functional capacity (6MWT; r=0.12, p=0.33, cycle exercise time; r=0.04, p=0.72).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No significant changes in NT pro-BNP levels were observed after interval training, despite significant improvement of functional capacity.
authors.affiliation: Oslo University Hospital, Ullevaal, Department of Cardiology, Norway. b.b.nilsson@medisin.uio.no
authors.forename: Birgitta Blakstad
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Nilsson
authors.forename: Arne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Westheim
authors.forename: May Arna
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Risberg
authors.forename: Harald
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Arnesen
authors.forename: Ingebjørg
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Seljeflot
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D009664:Norway; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013318:Stroke Volume; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain