High intensity exercise programme in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a randomized trial
Joyee Basu1,2, Dimitra Nikoletou1, Chris Miles1,2
1Cardiovascular and Genomic Research Institute, City St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK†.
European Heart Journal
|March 4, 2025
Summary
High intensity exercise is feasible for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients, improving fitness and mental health without increasing arrhythmias. However, most benefits were not sustained long-term.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- The impact and feasibility of high-intensity exercise programs for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients remain largely uncharacterized.
- Existing research lacks data on the safety and efficacy of such interventions in this specific population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a high-intensity exercise program in patients with HCM.
- To explore the safety and efficacy of this exercise intervention, focusing on cardiovascular and psychological outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with 80 HCM patients assigned to a 12-week supervised high-intensity exercise program or usual care.
- Feasibility assessed via recruitment, adherence, retention, staffing, logistics, and patient acceptability.
- Primary safety outcome was a composite of arrhythmia events; secondary outcomes included cardiorespiratory fitness, risk factors, and quality of life.
Main Results:
- 84% of participants completed the study; adherence was high.
- No significant difference in arrhythmia-related events between groups (P = .99).
- The exercise group showed significant improvements in peak oxygen consumption, reduced systolic blood pressure and BMI, and better anxiety/depression scores at 12 weeks, though gains diminished by 6 months.
Conclusions:
- High-intensity exercise programs are feasible for HCM patients, demonstrating potential cardiovascular and psychological benefits without increasing arrhythmia risk.
- Further large-scale studies are necessary to confirm these findings and evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of high-intensity exercise in HCM management.
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