One-year Aerobic Interval Training Improves Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation is associated with endothelial dysfunction, increasing cardiovascular risk.
• Endothelial dysfunction contributes to thrombotic and inflammatory processes in cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of one-year aerobic interval training (AIT) on endothelial dysfunction markers in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.
• To determine if AIT benefits are sustained after a period of detraining.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-four AF patients were randomized into continuous training (CT), detraining (DT), or medical treatment (MT) groups.
• AIT involved 3 weekly sessions at 85-95% peak heart rate for 6 or 12 months.
• Endothelial dysfunction biomarkers, including von Willebrand factor and Interleukin-1 beta, were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year.

Main Results:

• Six months of AIT significantly reduced von Willebrand factor and Interleukin-1 beta levels compared to MT.
• Continuous AIT maintained these improvements, while detraining led to a partial reversal of von Willebrand factor reduction.
• Interleukin-1 beta reductions were sustained even after detraining in the AIT groups.

Conclusions:

• One-year AIT effectively improves endothelial dysfunction in AF patients.
• The benefits are linked to reduced circulating thrombogenic and pro-inflammatory factors.
• Long-term adherence to aerobic training is essential for sustained improvements in endothelial function.