Effect of Physical Training on Oxygen Uptake and Endothelial Function in Heart Transplant Recipients

Effect of Physical Training on Oxygen Uptake and Endothelial Function in Heart Transplant Recipients

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of physical training on work capacity and vascular function after heart transplantation, cardiac transplant recipients are randomized to 8 weeks of intense physical training or control. Vascular function is measured non-invasively. Effect on the hormones and the immune system is evaluated using blood samples.

To investigate the effect of physical training on work capacity and vascular function after heart transplantation, cardiac transplant recipients are randomized to 8 weeks of intense physical training or control. Vascular function is measured non-invasively using forearm flow mediated dilatation. Effect on the blood natriuretic peptides and the inflammatory markers is evaluated using blood samples at baseline and after the training or control period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Heart transplant recipients > 1 year after transplantation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recent rejection, severe renal dysfunction, graft dysfunction, allograft vasculopathy, cancer, inability to exercise.