scholarly journals Increased Left Ventricular Stiffness Impairs Exercise Capacity in Patients with Heart Failure Symptoms Despite Normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Sinning ◽  
Mario Kasner ◽  
Dirk Westermann ◽  
Karsten Schulze ◽  
Heinz-Peter Schultheiss ◽  
...  

Aims. Several mechanisms can be involved in the development of exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure despite normal left ventricular ejection fraction (HFNEF) and may include impairment of left ventricular (LV) stiffness. We therefore investigated the influence of LV stiffness, determined by pressure-volume loop analysis obtained by conductance catheterization, on exercise capacity in HFNEF.Methods and Results. 27 HFNEF patients who showed LV diastolic dysfunction in pressure-volume (PV) loop analysis performed symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and were compared with 12 patients who did not show diastolic dysfunction in PV loop analysis. HFNEF patients revealed a lower peak performance (), breathing reserve (), and ventilation equivalent for carbon dioxide production at rest (). LV stiffness correlated with peak oxygen uptake (, ), peak oxygen uptake at ventilatory threshold (, ), and ventilation equivalent for carbon dioxide production at ventilatory threshold (, ).Conclusions. CPET parameters such as peak oxygen uptake, peak oxygen uptake at ventilatory threshold, and ventilation equivalent for carbon dioxide production at ventilatory threshold correlate with LV stiffness. Increased LV stiffness impairs exercise capacity in HFNEF.

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joerg Honold ◽  
Lenka Geiger ◽  
Ulrich Fischer-Rasokat ◽  
Birgit Assmus ◽  
Volker Schaechinger ◽  
...  

Intracoronary (i.c.) infusion of BMC in patients (pts.) with CHF is associated with improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and reduction of NT-proBNP serum-levels, especially in pts. with more severe heart failure. However, ist is unknown whether the modest improvements in cardiac function translate into an increase in cardiopulmonary exercise capacity. A total of 52 CHF-pts. performed cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) according to a modified Bruce protocol before and 3 months after i.c. infusion of BMC into the infarct-related artery. Anaerobic threshold (AT) was determined by the v-slope method. Overall, pts. were 58±12 years old with a moderately impaired LVEF (mean 42±11%) and a median NYHA-class 2±0.75. NT-proBNP-serum levels were elevated (1007±154 pmol/ml). All pts. received chronic optimized medical therapy with betablockers, ACE-inhibitors and combined diuretics, which was kept constant during the study duration. Initial CPET revealed reduced peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2: 14.0 ml/min/kg), maximal oxygen Pulse (O2Pmax: 11.4 ml/beat) and oxygen uptake at AT (VO2AT: 10.9 ml/min/kg), whereas CO2-equivalents (EqCO2) were elevated (29.7). 3 months after therapy, repeated CPET showed an increase in peak VO2 (14.0±3.9 to 15.3±4.3 ml/min/kg, p=0.07), whereas VO2 AT (10.8±2.5 to 10.8±2.5 ml/min/kg, p= n.s.), O2Pmax (11.2 ± 3.1 to 12.0±3.3 ml/beat, p= n.s.) or EqCO2 (29.7±6.4 to 29.8±6.8, p= n.s.) remained unchanged. However, after dichotomizating the patient cohort according to the median of VO2max at baseline, pts. with lower initial VO2max showed a significant improvement in VO2max (12.8±1.5 to 13.5±2.7ml/min/kg, p= 0.03) and an improvement in VO2AT (9.1±1.8 to 9.5±2.2 ml/min/kg, p= ns), as well as a reduction of EqCO2 (34.7±7.1 to 33.8±8.0, p= ns). In contrast, pts. with initial VO2max > median did not show any significant improvements. These findings indicate that intracoronary BMC-therapy improves exercise capacity in CHF-patients with more advanced heart failure. Therefore, cardiopulmonary exercise testing might help to identify pts. more likely to derive functional benefit from intracoronary BMC administration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Haid ◽  
M Bahls ◽  
M Doerr ◽  
S Felix ◽  
S Zylla ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a prognostic biomarker for fibrosis, different cancers, renal impairment and, in particular, for heart failure. Further, higher Gal-3 levels are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Whether Gal-3 is related with the protective effects of a high CRF is unclear. Purpose The present study examined the relation between Gal-3 and CRF as determined by body weight adjusted peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak/kg), oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold (VO2@AT) and maximal workload (Wmax). Methods We used data of the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND) from Northeast Germany. A total of n = 1,483 participants with a median age of 49 (IQR: 39 – 59 years, male 48%) were included in the analysis. CRF parameters were measured using standardized cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer. Plasma galectin-3 concentrations were determined using a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Individuals with left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%, previous myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, chronic lung disease, severe renal disease (eGFR < 30 ml/min/mm2), a history of cancer, and extreme values for Gal-3 were excluded. Linear regression models adjusted for age, sex and lean mass were used to analyze the association between Gal-3 and CRF. Results A one ml/min/kg greater VO2peak was related to a 0.32 ng/ml (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.45 to -0.18, p <.001) lower Gal-3. Further, a one Watt larger power output was also associated with a 1.32 ng/ml (95% CI -2.10 to – 0.54, p <.001) lesser Gal-3. VO2@AT was not related to Gal-3 (β: -3.31 95% CI -8.68 to 2.05, p = .23). Conclusions In the general population Gal-3 is inversely associated with CRF. Further studies should investigate whether lower Gal-3, beyond its importance as a biomarker for heart disease, may even play a role in the protective effect of the CRF.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (18) ◽  
pp. 1937-1946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik H Van Iterson ◽  
Chul-Ho Kim ◽  
Katelyn Uithoven ◽  
Thomas P Olson

Background Exercise intolerance, obesity, and low hemoglobin (hemoglobin<13 and <12 g/dl, men/women, respectively) are common features of heart failure. Despite serving as potent contributors to metabolic dysfunction, the impact of obesity and low hemoglobin on exercise intolerance is unknown. This study tested the hypotheses, compared with non-obese (NO) heart failure with normal hemoglobin, (a) counterparts with low hemoglobin and obesity or non-obesity will demonstrate reduced peak exercise oxygen uptake; (b) obese with normal hemoglobin will demonstrate decreased peak exercise oxygen uptake; (c) compared across stratifications, obese with low hemoglobin will demonstrate the sharpest decrement in peak exercise oxygen uptake. Methods Adults with heart failure ( n = 315; left ventricular ejection fraction≤40%; 77% men) (Group 1: normal hemoglobin and non-obese, n = 137; Group 2: low hemoglobin and non-obese, n = 51; Group 3: normal hemoglobin+obesity, n = 89; Group 4, n = 38: low hemoglobin+obesity; body mass index = 26 ± 3, 26 ± 2, 34 ± 4, 34 ± 4 kg/m2, respectively) completed treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing as part of routine clinical management. Peak exercise oxygen uptake was measured via standard metabolic system. Results There were no group-wise differences for heart failure class, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, and resting cardiopulmonary function. Group 1 demonstrated increased peak exercise oxygen uptake versus Groups 2–4 (20 ± 6 versus 17 ± 6, 17 ± 5, 13 ± 4 ml/kg/min, respectively; all p < 0.001); whereas Group 4 peak exercise oxygen uptake was reduced versus all groups ( p < 0.001). Additionally, both body mass index (R2 = 0.10) and hemoglobin (R2 = 0.12) were significant predictors of peak exercise oxygen uptake in Group 1; which were relationships not mirrored for Groups 2–4. Conclusion These data suggest obesity together with low hemoglobin are potent contributors to impaired peak exercise oxygen uptake and, hence, oxidative metabolic capacity. In diverse populations of heart failure where obesity and/or low hemoglobin are present, it is important to consider these features together when interpreting peak exercise oxygen uptake and underlying exercise limitations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 895-902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastiaan W. van Wijk ◽  
Mieke M. Driessen ◽  
Folkert J. Meijboom ◽  
Pieter A. Doevendans ◽  
Paul H. Schoof ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundThe arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries was initially believed to be an anatomical correction. Recent evidence shows reduced exercise capacity and left ventricular function in varying degrees in the long term after an arterial switch operation.ObjectiveTo perform a meta-analysis on long-term exercise capacity and left ventricular ejection fraction after an arterial switch operation.MethodsA literature search was performed to cover all studies on patients who had undergone a minimum of 6 years of follow-up that reported either left ventricular ejection fraction, peak oxygen uptake, peak workload, and/or peak heart rate. A meta-analysis was performed if more than three studies reported the outcome of interest.ResultsA total of 21 studies reported on the outcomes of interest. Oxygen uptake was consistently lower in patients who had undergone an arterial switch operation compared with healthy controls, with a pooled average peak oxygen uptake of 87.5±2.9% of predicted. The peak heart rate was also lower compared with that of controls, at 92±2% of predicted. Peak workload was significantly reduced in two studies. Pooled left ventricular ejection fraction was normal at 60.7±7.2%.ConclusionExercise capacity is reduced and left ventricular ejection fraction is preserved in the long term after an arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries.


Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernhard Maisch ◽  
Hendrik Haake ◽  
Nadine Schlotmann ◽  
Sabine Pankuweit

152 consecutive patients with myocarditis according to the quantitative World Heart Federation Criteria (> 14 infiltrating cells/mm 2 by endomyocardial biopsy(EMB)) were analysed for cardiotropic agents. In 90 pts parvoviruses B19 (59,5%) and in 36 pts adenoviruses (23,8%) were assessd by PCR as causative viral pathogens. All virus positive patients were treated with 10 g/day Pentaglobin® i. v.(enriched IgG, IgA and IgM preparation, Biotest) at day 1 and 3. After six months all patients were reevalutated clinically, 73 patients (48%) in addition by EMB. Methods: We compared the following parameters before and after therapy: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), shortening fraction (SF) by transthoracic echocardiography and LVEF or the left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) using angiography. For exercise capacity we evaluated exercise ECG by treadmill test and clinical parameters according to the NYHA classification, before and after therapy. Results: After Pentaglobin therapy, all patients demonstrated a significant clinical improvement of the NYHA class, of exercise capacity and of LVEF (from 54,4 to 60,0%, p<0,005) independent from the respective virus. In 52 of 73 (71%) rebiopsied pts inflammation had resolved. In 17 of the 19 rebiopsied patients (90%) with a positive PCR for ADV before therapy no more virus DNA was recovered after treatment, inflammation had resolved completely. In Parvo B 19 myocarditis inflammation had resolved in 31 of the 44 pts (70%), whereas Parvo B19 DNA was eradicated in only in 18 out of 44 pts(40%). In patients in whom both virus and inflammation were eliminated enddiastolic LV dimension decreased and EF increased significantly (p<0,001). Conclusion: Treatment with an intermediate dose of Pentaglobin is highly effective in resolving myocardial inflammation independent of the underlying viral etiology, but it eradicates adenoviral much better than Parvo B19 infection.


2007 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jina Choo ◽  
Lora E. Burke ◽  
Kyung Pyo Hong

Background Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been used as a primary health outcome in cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP). Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week CRP on HRQOL and exercise capacity in myocardial infarction (MI) patients in Korea. Methods After matching on gender, age, and left ventricular ejection fraction, 60 subjects with a first acute MI were allocated to either a CRP group ( n =31) or a Control group ( n =29). The 8-week CRP included hospital-based, supervised exercise training (three times per week, average intensity of 65% VO2peak) and individual education sessions. The Control group was instructed on a home-based exercise regimen without contact during the 8 weeks. At baseline and 8 weeks, HRQOL was assessed by the Quality of Life Index (QLI)–cardiac version III; exercise capacity by a treadmill test. Results After adjusting for education level, the overall QLI, health/functioning and psycho/spiritual scores showed greater increases in the CRP group than the Control group ( p=.014, p=.016, and p=.036, respectively). We observed significant improvements in VO2peak ( p<.0001), anaerobic threshold ( p<.0001), and maximal exercise duration ( p<.0001) in the CRP group, compared to the Control group. Conclusions These findings suggest that the Korean CRP can lead to significant improvements in HRQOL outcomes and exercise capacity.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document