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Endothelial markers in chronic heart failure: training normalizes exercise-induced vWF release
L W E Sabelis1, P J Senden, R Fijnheer
1University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|September 24, 2004
Summary
Physical training improved exercise capacity in chronic heart failure patients. While most endothelial markers remained unchanged, training normalized stimulated plasma von Willebrand Factor release after maximal exercise.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with endothelial dysfunction.
- The vascular endothelium plays a crucial role in regulating hemostasis and vasoregulation.
- Endothelial markers and their response to exercise are not well understood in CHF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma levels of endothelial markers in CHF patients.
- To assess exercise-induced changes in these markers.
- To determine the effect of a 6-month training program on endothelial markers in CHF.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-nine male CHF patients (NYHA II/III) were randomized into training and control groups.
- The training group underwent 26 weeks of combined strength and endurance exercises.
- Endothelial markers, maximal workload, and peak oxygen uptake were assessed before and after the intervention.
Main Results:
- Physical training significantly improved maximal workload and peak oxygen uptake.
- Plasma levels of most endothelial markers were unaffected by training at rest or during maximal exercise.
- Stimulated release of plasma von Willebrand Factor (vWF) was observed after training, but not at baseline.
Conclusions:
- Physical training normalized stimulated plasma vWF release in CHF patients.
- Other endothelial markers were not significantly altered by the training program.
- Exercise training may improve specific aspects of endothelial function in CHF, particularly vWF release.