197
6 Conclusions
HF syndrome in different experimental models is accompanied by autonomic dys-
function, neurohormonal hyperactivity, oxidative stress and inflammation that trig-
ger progressive worsening of the cardiac function and a severe skeletal myopathy,
that leads to the loss of functional capacity and poor quality of life. These chronic
deleterious HF-induced alterations are responsible for the high mortality rates
exhibited by HF patients. Experimental studies have provided ample evidence
regarding the benefits of aerobic exercise training in this pathology, as summarized
in Fig. 11.2. Exercise training is highly efficient in ameliorating HF-induced dys-
functions by acting in the same pathways targeted by current standard pharmaco-
logical care (i.e. β-blockers, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers,
aldosterone-receptor antagonists). In addition, exercise training has been shown to
correct vagal outflow, inflammatory response and skeletal myopathy, improvements
not yet obtained through available pharmacological therapy. These findings support
the efficacy of aerobic exercise training in the treatment of chronic HF with of the
advantage of avoiding side effects.
Fig. 11.2 The effects of aerobic exercise training on heart failure patients. eNOS, endothelial
nitric oxide synthase, RAAS, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
11 Experimental Evidences Supporting the Benefits of Exercise Training in Heart...