Lower Exercise Tolerance Research Articles

Effect of heart failure and atrial fibrillation on cardiorespiratory fitness in hemodialysis patients.

Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are highly prevalent in hemodialysis. They are well-known significant modifiers of the disease associations with cardiovascular outcomes, but there is a lack of evidence regarding the effects of HF and AF on cardiorespiratory fitness. This study is the first to examine the possible association of the presence of HF and AF with exercise intolerance in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This analysis included 40 sex- and age-matched participants [10 hemodialysis patients with HF or AF, 10 hemodialysis patients without HF or AF, 10 patients with HF or AF without chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 10 healthy controls] that underwent CPET and spirometry examinations. The total of patients with HF had preserved ejection fraction. VO2peak(ml/kg/min) showed a graded increase between hemodialysis patients with HF or AF, hemodialysis patients without HF or AF, non-CKD patients with HF or AF and controls (13.17 ± 2.45 vs 15.26 ± 3.29 vs 19.64 ± 5.84 vs 25.11 ± 6.94ml/kg/min, p < 0.001); VO2peak(ml/min) followed the same pattern (1172 ± 197 vs 1269 ± 314 vs 1817 ± 583 vs 1952 ± 592ml/min respectively, p = 0.001). VO2peak(%predicted), VO2AT(ml/kg/min), VO2AT(ml/min) and maximal work load significantly differed between the study groups, with a tendency for higher values from hemodialysis patients to non-CKD patients with HF or AF and to healthy controls. FEV1 and FVC levels were similar between the study groups. In the whole population, VO2peak(ml/kg/min) showed a positive correlation with hemoglobin (r = 0.663, p < 0.001) and negative correlations with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (r = -0.493, p = 0.001) and BNP (r = -0.479, p = 0.002). Hemodialysis patients have low exercise tolerance, and the presence of HF or AF is associated with further decreased values of VO2peak, the most important determinant of cardiorespiratory fitness.

The Method of Enhanced External Counterpulsation in Clinical Practice

Chronic non- infectious diseases represent an important medical and social problem for the healthcare system. Optimal pharmacotherapy is not always effective enough, and the use of surgical treatment methods is not possible in all patients. In addition, an important link in the comprehensive management of such patients is dosed physical activity, however, in most of them, low exercise tolerance does not allow them to exercise, starting a vicious circle that leads to a decrease in the functional reserve of the body. In this case, the use of non-pharmacological treatment methods, for example, enhanced external counterpulsation, may be useful. This review is devoted to the analysis of literature data on the possibilities of using this method, which is important in clinical practice.

Hybrid Training System Consisting of Synchronized Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Voluntary Exercise Using an Articular Motion Sensor.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is widely used for improving muscle strength, preventing muscle atrophy, and decreasing pain. Recently, NMES has become a substitute for exercise therapy for metabolism improvement and functional capacity improvement. However, NMES has several disadvantages. First, slow-twitch muscle contractions are insufficient because the recruitment pattern of NMES does not obey Henneman's size principle. Second, when using surface electrodes, it is difficult to contract deep skeletal muscles at the application site. Third, electrical stimulation causes discomfort. Therefore, we devised a simultaneous combination of NMES and voluntary muscle contractions to overcome the weak points of NMES. A hybrid training system (HTS) that resists the motion of a volitionally contracting agonist muscle with force generated by its electrically stimulated antagonist was developed as a technique to combine the application of NMES and volitional contractions. This motion sensor makes it possible to simultaneously combine voluntary movements with NMES. Our HTS synchronizes with voluntary movements, enhancing safety and reducing discomfort. This HTS enhances the exercise effect of even simple exercise. So far, our HTS has been reported to be effective for muscle strength enhancement, prevention of muscle atrophy, improvement of physical function, pain relief, enhancement of physical fitness, and improvement of metabolic function. HTS are expected to be useful methods in environments where sufficient exercise load is not available or for individuals with low exercise tolerance.

Usefulness of exercise stress echocardiography for predicting cardiovascular events and atrial fibrillation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BackgroundIn hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the determinants of exercise tolerance and the usefulness of exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) for predicting hard endpoints have not been fully investigated. We aimed to assess the key parameters of ESE for exercise tolerance and the factors predictive of cardiovascular events and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with HCM. MethodsSeventy-four consecutive patients with HCM who underwent ESE and with an ejection fraction ≥50 % were enrolled. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, and ventricular assist device implantation. The secondary endpoint was new-onset AF. ResultsThe primary endpoint occurred in 13 patients. The left and right ventricular functions during exercise were responsible for decreased exercise tolerance. Peak exercise e′ and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) significantly predicted increased primary outcome risk (hazard ratio 1.35, 95 % confidence interval 1.10–1.76, p = 0.003; hazard ratio 1.19, 95 % confidence interval 1.07–1.32, p = 0.002, respectively), and the results were consistent even after adjustment by maximum workload. These ESE parameters improved the prognostic model containing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and left atrial (LA) volume index. In AF-naive patients (n = 58), LA volume, peak exercise LA reservoir strain, and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) pressure gradient predicted new-onset AF. ConclusionsIn patients with HCM, ESE parameters related to left and right ventricular function were responsible for low exercise tolerance. Furthermore, e′ and TAPSE at peak workload could be useful for predicting cardiovascular events in addition to eGFR and LA volume index. LVOT pressure gradient and LA function during exercise predicted new-onset AF.

Proportions of Hypertension in Stable COPD Patients at the National Respiratory Center Persahabatan Hospital

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Most of these deaths are related to cardiovascular disease. This is due to systemic inflammation that causes increased vascular stiffness and hypertension. These comorbidities lead to poor quality of life, low exercise tolerance, and an increased risk of hospitalization. This study aims to report the proportion of hypertension among stable COPD patients in the Indonesian population.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Respiratory Center Persahabatan Hospital between February and March 2023. Stable COPD patients admitted to the Asthma and COPD Polyclinic who met the criteria were enrolled. Clinical information, vital signs, spirometry results, and DLCO measurements were collected.Results: There were 84 subjects participating in this study. The result of this study shows a 60.7% proportion of hypertension in stable COPD patients. Hypertension has a significant correlation with pulmonary functional values (P=0.021), severity degree of clinical COPD (P=0.004), Brinkman index (P=0.008), and age (P=0.0001). However, hypertension association with COPD duration (P=0.505) and DLCO (P=0.122) were not significant.Conclusion: The hypertension proportion in stable COPD Indonesian patients is 60.7%. Hypertension shows a significant association with pulmonary function values, severity degree of clinical COPD, Brinkman index, and age.

Homocysteine as a biomarker of physical activity and exercise tolerance in adolescent children

Purpose: To determine the homocysteine content in children and adolescents with different levels of physical activity, to establish the relationship between homocysteine content, indicators of physical development, level of physical activity and tolerance to physical activity in adolescence. Material and Methods. We examined 83 children aged 11 to 17 years, who were examined by a pediatrician, an endocrinologist, and the girls by a pediatric gynecologist. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Committee on Bioethics and Deontology. Height, body weight and body mass index were assessed; physical activity tolerance by the Ruffier test; physical activity was assessed using a questionnaire; serum homocysteine was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. 81% of adolescents with high physical activity had regular sports training at least three times a week. In the group with low physical fitness, only 25.6 % attended sports sections, and 44.2 % of adolescents were completely physically inactive. The level of homocysteine in the blood did not depend on the sex of adolescents and physical development. Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia was detected in 41 adolescents, 68.3 % of whom had poor and low exercise tolerance and/or low physical activity. Statistically significantly higher homocysteine levels were observed in children with low physical activity (p&lt;0.05), those who did not have sports training (p=0.027) or had reduced adaptation to physical activity (p&lt;0.01). Conclusions. The level of homocysteine in the blood serum of adolescents did not depend on gender, physical development and the presence of somatic pathology. Low physical activity of adolescents is accompanied by increased levels of homocysteine in the blood. On the contrary, adolescents with high physical activity have lower levels. The lowest levels of homocysteine are observed in adolescents with good to excellent exercise tolerance. Unsatisfactory and weak Ruffier test results are associated with elevated homocysteine levels in adolescents

Sixweeks of localized passive heat therapy elicits some exercise-like improvements in resistance artery function.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 6weeks of localized, muscle-focused (quadriceps femoris) passive heat therapy (PHT) on resistance artery function, exercise haemodynamics and exercise performance relative to knee extension (KE) exercise training (EX). We randomized 34healthy adults (ages 18-36; n=17 female, 17male) to receive either PHT or sham heating sessions (120min, 3days/week), or EX (40min, 3days/week) over 6weeks. Blood flow was assessed with Doppler ultrasound of the femoral artery during both passive leg movement (PLM) and a KE graded exercise test. Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis at baseline and after 6weeks. Peak blood flow during PLM increased to the same extent in both the EX (∼10.5% increase, P=0.009) and PHT groups (∼8.5% increase, P=0.044). Peak flow during knee extension exercise increased in EX (∼19%, P=0.005), but did not change in PHT (P=0.523) and decreased in SHAM (∼7%, P=0.020). Peak vascular conductance during KE increased by ∼25% in EX (P=0.030) and PHT (P=0.012). KE peak power increased in EX by ∼27% (P=0.001) but did not significantly change in PHT and SHAM groups. Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase increased significantly in both EX (P=0.028) and PHT (P=0.0095), but only EX resulted in increased angiogenesis. In conclusion, 6weeks of localized PHT improved resistance artery function at rest and during exercise to the same extent as exercise training but did not yield significant improvements in performance. KEY POINTS: Many for whom exercise would be most beneficial are either unable to exercise or have a very low exercise tolerance. In these cases, an alternative treatment to combat declines in resistance artery function is needed. We tested the hypothesis that passive heat therapy (PHT) would increase resistance artery function, improve exercise haemodynamics and enhance exercise performance compared to a sham treatment, but less than aerobic exercise training. This report shows that 6weeks of localized PHT improved resistance artery function at rest and during exercise to the same extent as exercise training but did not improve exercise performance. Additionally, muscle biopsy analyses revealed that endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression increased in both PHT and exercise training groups, but only exercise resulted in increased angiogenesis. Our data demonstrate the efficacy of applying passive heat as an alternative treatment to improve resistance artery function for those unable to receive the benefits of regular exercise.

#1767 Effect of heart failure and atrial fibrillation on cardiorespiratory fitness in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Background and Aims Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are highly prevalent in hemodialysis. They are well-known significant modifiers of the disease associations with cardiovascular outcomes, but there is a lack of evidence regarding the effects of HF and AF on cardiorespiratory fitness. This study is the first to examine the possible association of the presence of HF and AF with exercise intolerance in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Method This analysis included 40 sex- and age-matched participants [10 hemodialysis patients with HF or AF, 10 hemodialysis patients without HF or AF, 10 patients with HF or AF without chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 10 healthy controls) that underwent CPET and spirometry examinations. Results VO2peak (ml/min/kg) showed a graded increase between hemodialysis patients with HF or AF, hemodialysis patients without HF or AF, non-CKD patients with HF or AF and controls (13.17 ± 2.45 vs 15.26 ± 3.29 vs 19.64 ± 5.84 vs 25.11 ± 6.94 ml/min/kg, p &amp;lt; 0.001); VO2peak (ml/min) followed the same pattern (1172 ± 197 vs 1269 ± 314 vs 1817 ± 583 vs 1952 ± 592 ml/min respectively, p = 0.001). VO2peak (%predicted), VO2AT (ml/kg/min), VO2AT (ml/min) and maximal work load significantly differ between the study groups, with a tendency for higher values from hemodialysis patients to non-CKD patients with HF or AF and to healthy controls. FEV1 and FVC levels were similar between the study groups. In the whole population, VO2peak (ml/kg/min) showed a positive correlation with hemoglobin (r = 0.663, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and negative correlations with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (r = −0.493, p = 0.001) and BNP (r = −0.479, p = 0.002). Conclusion Hemodialysis patients have low exercise tolerance, and the presence of HF or AF is associated with further decreased values of VO2peak, the most important determinant of cardiorespiratory fitness.

Cardiac Dysfunction and Exercise Tolerance in Patients after Complex Treatment for Cranial and Craniospinal Tumors in Childhood.

State-of-the-art therapy improves the five-year survival rate of patients under the age of 20 with cranial and craniospinal tumors by up to 74%. The urgency of dealing effectively with late treatment-associated cardiovascular complications is rising. Objective: We aimed to assess echocardiographic parameters and exercise performance in subjects with a history of complex treatment for cranial and craniospinal tumors in childhood. Methods: the study of 48 subjects who underwent cranial and craniospinal irradiation for CNS tumors in childhood and 20 healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers was conducted. The examination included hormone studies, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and, in the main group, echocardiography (ECHO). Results: In five (10.4%) patients, ECHO changes were detected after complex anti-cancer treatment: thickening and calcification of the aortic valve leaflets (2%), and reduction in the systolic LV and RV function (8% and 6%, respectively). Irradiation of various areas was a significant predictor for reduced exercise tolerance, hyperventilation at rest and upon exertion, and an increased ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide. Low exercise tolerance was associated with a younger age at the time of treatment initiation. Significant differences were noted between the control group and the childhood cancer survivors with endocrine disorders. Conclusions: The obtained data confirm the importance of regular cardiovascular and endocrine monitoring of this group of cancer survivors.

EFFECT OF HEART FAILURE AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION ON CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Objective: Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are highly prevalent in hemodialysis. They are well-known significant modifiers of the disease associations with cardiovascular outcomes, but there is a lack of evidence regarding the effects of HF and AF on cardiorespiratory fitness. This study is the first to examine the possible association of the presence of HF and AF with exercise intolerance in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Design and method: This analysis included 40 sex- and age-matched participants [10 hemodialysis patients with HF or AF, 10 hemodialysis patients without HF or AF, 10 patients with HF or AF without chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 10 healthy controls) that underwent CPET and spirometry examinations. Results: VO2peak (ml/min/kg) showed a graded increase between hemodialysis patients with HF or AF, hemodialysis patients without HF or AF, non-CKD patients with HF or AF and controls (13.17±2.45 vs 15.26±3.29 vs 19.64±5.84 vs 25.11±6.94 ml/min/kg, p&lt;0.001); VO2peak (ml/min) followed the same pattern (1172±197 vs 1269±314 vs 1817±583 vs 1952±592 ml/min respectively, p=0.001). VO2peak (%predicted), VO2AT (ml/kg/min), VO2AT (ml/min) and maximal work load significantly differ between the study groups, with a tendency for higher values from hemodialysis patients to non-CKD patients with HF or AF and to healthy controls. FEV1 and FVC levels were similar between the study groups. In the whole population, VO2peak (ml/kg/min) showed a positive correlation with hemoglobin (r=0.663, p&lt;0.001) and negative correlations with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (r=-0.493, p=0.001) and BNP (r=-0.479, p=0.002). Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients have low exercise tolerance, and the presence of HF or AF is associated with further decreased values of VO2peak, the most important determinant of cardiorespiratory fitness.

Identifying COPD patients with poor health status and low exercise tolerance through the five-repetition sit-to-stand test and modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Score

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine whether the concomitant presence of poor health status (COPD Assessment Test, CAT ≥ 10 points) and low exercise tolerance (6-Minute Walking Test, 6MWT < 350 m) is associated with worse clinical characteristics in patients with COPD. In addition, we aimed to develop a readily applicable diagnostic model to discriminate COPD patients with these conditions. MethodsA cross-sectional multicenter study involving 208 stable COPD patients (FEV1/FVC < 0.7, smoking history of at least 10 pack-years, and chronic respiratory symptoms) was carried out. The outcome measures were the 6MWT, CAT score, 5-repetition sit-to-stand test (5STS) and modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC). Patients were categorized into three groups: no condition (6MWT ≥ 350 m and CAT < 10 points), one condition (6MWT < 350 m or CAT ≥ 10 points), and both conditions (6MWT < 350 m and CAT ≥ 10 points). ResultsA total of 26 patients (12,5%) presented both conditions. These patients experienced a higher degree of dyspnea (p = 0.001), smoking pack-years (p = 0.011), severe obstruction (p = 0.006), and time on 5STS (p = 0.001). The probability of having both conditions directly increased with the time spent on the 5STS (β=0.188; p = 0.010) and the degree of dyspnea (β=1.920; p < 0.001) (R2=0.413). The scoring system, using the 5STS and dyspnea as surrogate measures, demonstrated adequate calibration between the predicted and observed risk (linear R2=0.852). ConclusionsCOPD patients with concurrent conditions have worse clinical status. The diagnostic model developed to discriminate these patients shows good internal validation.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for adults with heart failure.

People with heart failure experience substantial disease burden that includes low exercise tolerance, poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL), increased risk of mortality and hospital admission, and high healthcare costs. The previous 2018 Cochrane review reported that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (ExCR) compared to no exercise control shows improvement in HRQoL and hospital admission amongst people with heart failure, as well as possible reduction in mortality over the longer term, and that these reductions appear to be consistent across patient and programme characteristics. Limitations noted by the authors of this previous Cochrane review include the following: (1) most trials were undertaken in patients with heart failure with reduced (< 45%) ejection fraction (HFrEF), and women, older people, and those with heart failure with preserved (≥ 45%) ejection fraction (HFpEF) were under-represented; and (2) most trials were undertaken in a hospital or centre-based setting. To assess the effects of ExCR on mortality, hospital admission, and health-related quality of life of adults with heart failure. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science without language restriction on 13 December 2021. We also checked the bibliographies of included studies, identified relevant systematic reviews, and two clinical trials registers. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared ExCR interventions (either exercise only or exercise as part of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation) with a follow-up of six months or longer versus a no-exercise control (e.g. usual medical care). The study population comprised adults (≥ 18 years) with heart failure - either HFrEF or HFpEF. We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, mortality due to heart failure, all-cause hospital admissions, heart failure-related hospital admissions, and HRQoL. Secondary outcomes were costs and cost-effectiveness. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. We included 60 trials (8728 participants) with a median of six months' follow-up. For this latest update, we identified 16 new trials (2945 new participants), in addition to the previously identified 44 trials (5783 existing participants). Although the existing evidence base predominantly includes patients with HFrEF, with New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes II and III receiving centre-based ExCR programmes, a growing body of trials includes patients with HFpEF with ExCR undertaken in a home-based setting. All included trials employed a usual care comparator with a formal no-exercise intervention as well as a wide range of active comparators, such as education, psychological intervention, or medical management. The overall risk of bias in the included trials was low or unclear, and we mostly downgraded the certainty of evidence of outcomes upon GRADE assessment. There was no evidence of a difference in the short term (up to 12 months' follow-up) in the pooled risk of all-cause mortality when comparing ExCR versus usual care (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71 to 1.21; absolute effects 5.0% versus 5.8%; 34 trials, 36 comparisons, 3941 participants; low-certainty evidence). Only a few trials reported information on whether participants died due to heart failure. Participation in ExCR versus usual care likely reduced the risk of all-cause hospital admissions (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.86; absolute effects 15.9% versus 23.8%; 23 trials, 24 comparisons, 2283 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and heart failure-related hospital admissions (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.35; absolute effects 5.6% versus 6.4%; 10 trials; 10 comparisons, 911 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) in the short term. Participation in ExCR likely improved short-term HRQoL as measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLWHF) questionnaire (lower scores indicate better HRQoL and a difference of 5 points or more indicates clinical importance; mean difference (MD) -7.39 points, 95% CI -10.30 to -4.77; 21 trials, 22 comparisons, 2699 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). When pooling HRQoL data measured by any questionnaire/scale, we found that ExCR may improve HRQoL in the short term, but the evidence is very uncertain (33 trials, 37 comparisons, 4769 participants; standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.52, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.34; very-low certainty evidence). ExCR effects appeared to be consistent across different models of ExCR delivery: centre- versus home-based, exercise dose, exercise only versus comprehensive programmes, and aerobic training alone versus aerobic plus resistance programmes. This updated Cochrane review provides additional randomised evidence (16 trials) to support the conclusions of the previous 2018 version of the review. Compared to no exercise control, whilst there was no evidence of a difference in all-cause mortality in people with heart failure, ExCR participation likely reduces the risk of all-cause hospital admissions and heart failure-related hospital admissions, and may result in important improvements in HRQoL. Importantly, this updated review provides additional evidence supporting the use of alternative modes of ExCR delivery, including home-based and digitally-supported programmes. Future ExCR trials need to focus on the recruitment of traditionally less represented heart failure patient groups including older patients, women, and those with HFpEF.

Perceptions of barriers to and facilitators of exercise rehabilitation in adults with lung transplantation: a qualitative study in China

BackgroundExercise is crucial for pulmonary rehabilitation and improving the prognosis of lung transplantation (LTx) patients. However, many LTx patients in China have low exercise tolerance and compliance, and the reasons behind these challenges have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this qualitative research aims to identify the barriers to and facilitators of exercise rehabilitation in LTx patients.MethodsFrom January to July 2023, 15 stable LTx patients were recruited and participated in in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital. The interview transcripts were analyzed using the COM-B model and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).ResultsSix general themes including 19 barriers and 14 facilitators for the exercise rehabilitation of LTx patients were identified based on the COM-B model and TDF. The barriers to exercise included physical limitations, insufficient exercise endurance, lack of knowledge, and lack of motivation. The facilitators of exercise included motivation, self-efficacy, perceived significance of exercise rehabilitation, and social support.ConclusionThe study offers detailed insight into the development and implementation of exercise rehabilitation intervention strategies for LTx patients. By combining COM-B model and TDF, the study provides strong evidence that active behavior change strategies are required for LTx patients to promote their participation in exercise rehabilitation. Professional support, pulmonary rehabilitation training, behavior change technology, and digital health tools are essential for strengthening the evidence system for reporting exercise efficacy and effectiveness.

Increasing Physical Tolerance during Cardiac Rehabilitation Helps to Restore Endothelial Function in Patients after Acute Coronary Syndrome

In recent years, many studies have been aimed at exploring the possibilities of cardiac rehabilitation as a tool to improve the prognosis in patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Endothelial dysfunction is one of the initiating mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases, and myocardial infarction in particular, so it is important to assess the dynamics of changes in the number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients during cardiac rehabilitation with the increase in physical activity.&#x0D; The aim. To establish the relationship between the level of recovery of exercise tolerance and the recovery of endothelial function by determining the number of EPCs in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation after ACS.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 44 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who underwent urgent stenting of the infarct-related artery, with a mean age of 59 years (Q1-Q3; 51-64). All the study participants underwent laboratory tests (CD45+/CD34+ cell count before and after the exercise test) and instrumental tests (echocardiography, bicycle ergometry, coronary angiography). Statistical processing was carried out using SPSS Statistics 23 (trial version).&#x0D; Results. According to the results of the exercise test at the first examination, the patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 with low exercise tolerance (≤50 W) and group 2 with high exercise tolerance (&gt;50 W). The data obtained indicate a link between better recovery of exercise tolerance after ACS and recovery of endothelial func-tion in patients with high exercise tolerance during follow-up compared to the patients whose exercise tolerance did not exceed 50 W, as evidenced by a statistically higher number of EPCs after exercise in patients with a favor-able course and high exercise tolerance (3633 vs. 2400 cells/ml) (p=0.006). Patients with low exercise tolerance were more likely to be diagnosed with lesions of left anterior descending coronary artery (96% vs. 70%, p=0.02). More severe coronary vascular lesions with stenosis of 75% of two or more arteries showed lower pre-exercise EPCs, but increased post-exercise EPCs (+228 cells/ml), whereas in the group with stenosis of more than 75% of one vessel, a decrease in post-exercise EPCs (–604 cells/ml) was observed (p=0.004). If patients have more than one stent, there is a 2.5-fold increased risk of decreased exercise tolerance to values of 25-50 W (relative risk = 1.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.3-2.4).&#x0D; Conclusions. The data obtained indicate that there is an association between a better recovery of exercise tolerance after ACS and recovery of endothelial function in patients with a favorable course at repeated examination, compared to patients whose level of exercise tolerance did not exceed 50 W (low exercise tolerance), as evidenced by a statistically greater number of EPCs after exercise test in patients with favorable course and high exercise tolerance compared with patients with unfavorable course and low exercise tolerance.

The Link between Major Depressive Disorder &amp; Chronic Coronary Syndrome - A Literature Review

Depression is prevalent among patients with coronary artery disease and has significant consequences. Occurrence of depression after a new diagnosis of stable angina is common and affects nearly 1 in 5 individuals. There have been several biological mechanisms by which depression may be related to coronary artery disease. As compared with nondepressed patients, those with depression have increased catecholamine levels,elevated resting heart rate, and decreased heart rate variability. . Behavioral characteristics of patients with depression include poor medication adherence, lower exercise tolerance,physical inactivity, poor dietary habits,and tobacco use. Although depression and its impact have been well documented in post-MI patients, much less is known about its significance in patients with chronic coronary syndrome(CCS).Despite the fact that CCS is the most common manifestation of coronary artery disease,sothere is a huge gap in the field of knowledge correlating CCS and depression. University Heart Journal 2023; 19(1): 26-30

Vascular dysfunction and the age-related decline in critical power.

Ageing results in lower exercise tolerance, manifested as decreased critical power (CP). We examined whether the age-related decrease in CP occurs independently of changes in muscle mass and whether it is related to impaired vascular function. Ten older (63.1±2.5 years) and 10 younger (24.4±4.0 years) physically active volunteers participated. Physical activity was measured with accelerometry. Leg muscle mass was quantified with dual X-ray absorptiometry. The CP and maximum power during a graded exercise test (PGXT ) of single-leg knee-extension exercise were determined over the course of four visits. During a fifth visit, vascular function of the leg was assessed with passive leg movement (PLM) hyperaemia and leg blood flow and vascular conductance during knee-extension exercise at 10W, 20W, slightly below CP (90% CP) and PGXT . Despite not differing in leg lean mass (P=0.901) and physical activity (e.g., steps per day, P=0.735), older subjects had ∼30% lower mass-specific CP (old=3.20±0.94Wkg-1 vs. young=4.60±0.87Wkg-1 ; P<0.001). The PLM-induced hyperaemia and leg blood flow and/or conductance were blunted in the old at 20W, 90% CP and PGXT (P<0.05). When normalized for leg muscle mass, CP was strongly correlated with PLM-induced hyperaemia (R2 =0.52; P<0.001) and vascular conductance during knee-extension exercise at 20W (R2 =0.34; P=0.014) and 90% CP (R2 =0.39; P=0.004). In conclusion, the age-related decline in CP is not only an issue of muscle quantity, but also of impaired muscle quality that corresponds to impaired vascular function.

Mitral Annular Early Diastolic Velocity Has Good Accuracy in the Detection of Low Exercise Tolerance in Patients With Heart Failure

Mitral Annular Early Diastolic Velocity Has Good Accuracy in the Detection of Low Exercise Tolerance in Patients With Heart Failure

Patient perspectives on digital health and physical activity in Parkinson’ disease: a brief research report

Background People living with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) typically have lower levels of physical activity (PA) which predisposes them to heart disease, reduced bone density and low exercise tolerance. Digital health has been shown to be effective at promoting PA in several clinical cohorts and monitoring PA in PwP. In addition, PwP have reported positive experiences with using digital health modalities such as smartwatches and telehealth. However, the perspectives of PwP on how best to use digital health to promote PA has yet to be investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate current levels of digital skills in PwP and the perspectives and opinions of PwP on the use of digital health for PA interventions. Methods Eighty-nine PwP living in Ireland completed a cross-sectional questionnaire looking at current levels of PA and self-reported levels of digital skills. Results The majority of participants believed that PA was beneficial for PwP and had a moderate to high level of digital skills. Important factors to consider when constructing a digital health PA intervention included ease of access, low cost, variety of exercises and physical activity options and a feedback function. Conclusion PwP have a moderate to high level of self-reported digital skills. This study provides useful information on factors that should be considered when constructing a digital PA intervention for PwP

Atrial fibrillation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: prevalence, risk factors and prognostic significance

Aim. To study the epidemiological profile and long-term prognostic significance of atrial fibrillation (AF) as a risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Material and methods. The study included 270 patients with DCM (206/76,3% men, age 47 [37; 56] years, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction 29 [21; 35]%). The observation period was 6 years (Me 76 [57; 119] months). To assess the effect of AF on DCM prognosis, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression of clinical outcomes, including cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, and ventricular assist device implantation, were analyzed.Results. Of 270 patients with DCM, paroxysmal AF was detected in 10 (3,7%) patients (initial, 5/1,85%; during the first follow-up year, 5/1,85%). After 5 years, another 65 (24,1%) individuals had AF (paroxysmal, persistent or permanent). Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were registered in 163 (60,4%) patients. Compared with patients maintaining sinus rhythm, patients with AF were older (51,4±10 vs 43,6±13 years, p=0,001) and had lower exercise tolerance (6-minute walk test: 379±45 vs 445±43 meters; p=0,0002) and a higher heart failure functional class (NYHA class III-IV: 38/50,7% vs 52/26,7%; χ2=13,6; p=0 ,0003). In patients with AF, initially more pronounced manifestations of right ventricular contractile dysfunction (TAPSE: 13,1±3,4 vs 15,5±4,6 mm; p=0,0001) and LV diastolic dysfunction (E/A: 2,9±1,5 vs 2,1±1,3; p=0,006; E/e' 15,6±6,9 vs 11,8±7,2; p=0,019), more dilated left atrium (left atrial volume index: 63,3±19 vs 50±18,7 ml/m2; p=0,006). During the 6-year median follow-up, AF was observed in 75 patients (0,46 new cases/100 patients/year). As a result of Cox regression analysis, AF as a time-dependent factor was identified as an independent predictor of cardiovascular death (hazard ratio 3,99; 95% confidence interval, 1,67-8,59; p=0,0001).Conclusion. AF, as one of the most common sustained atrial tachyarrhythmias in the population, demonstrated a lower prevalence (27,8%) in the DCM cohort compared to ventricular tachyarrhythmias (60,4%), but a high prognostic significance of the negative impact on the risk of fatal outcomes. The development of AF in patients with DCM is associated with a 4-fold increase in cardiovascular death risk over a 6-year period.

Female and Male Phenotypes of Iron Deficiency in CHF. Additional analysis of the «The Prevalence of Iron Deficiency in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure in the Russian Federation (J-CHF-RF)» study.

Aim To evaluate the incidence of iron deficiency (ID) in men and women with chronic heart failure (CHF) and to compare clinical and functional indexes in patient with and without ID depending on the gender.Material and methods An additional analysis of the study "Prevalence of Iron Deficiency in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure in the Russian Federation (ID-CHF-RF)" was performed. The study included 498 (198 women, 300 men) patients with CHF, in whom, in addition to iron metabolism, the quality of life and exercise tolerance (ET) were studied. 97 % of patients were enrolled during their stay in a hospital. ID was defined in consistency with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines. Also, and additional analysis was performed according to ID criteria validated by the morphological picture of the bone marrow.Results ID was detected in 174 (87.9 %) women and 239 (79.8 %) men (p=0.028) according to the ESC criteria, and in 154 (77.8 %) women and 217 (72.3 %) men (p=0.208) according to the criteria validated by the morphological picture of the bone marrow. Men with ID were older and had more severe CHF. They more frequently had HF functional class (FC) III and IV (63.4 % vs. 43.3 % in men without ID); higher concentrations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and lower ET. HF FC III increased the probability of ID presence 3.4 times (p=0.02) and the probability of HF FC IV 13.7 times (p=0.003). This clinical picture was characteristic of men when either method of determining ID was used. In women, ID was not associated with more severe CHF.Conclusion Based on the presented analysis, it is possible to characterize the male and female ID phenotypes. The male ID phenotype is associated with more severe CHF, low ET, and poor quality of life. In females of the study cohort, ID was not associated with either the severity of CHF or with ET.