Exercise Training to Improve Cardiopulmonary Hemodynamics in Heart Failure Patients

Exercise Training to Improve Pulmonary Haemodynamic and Right Ventricular Function in Heart Failure Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension

This research study is being done to find out if exercise therapy can help improve the heart function, overall health, and quality of life of patients with pulmonary hypertension caused by heart failure.

The purpose of this research is to see if taking part in structured exercise training will improve the ability to exercise, the function of the heart, and the function of the blood vessels that supply the lungs in patients with heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. After enrollment all patients will complete exercise testing. Patients will be randomized to either 10 weeks of exercise training (3 times per week) or will continue standard medical care. All patients will undergo detailed exercise testing before and after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• NYHA functional class I-IIIb.
• LVEF < 40%.
• Clinically-stable for > 3 months [no change in disease status or medication].
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent and perform cycle-ergometer or treadmill based exercise.

Exclusion Criteria:

• NYHA class IV HF.
• Diagnosis of diastolic HF.
• Comorbidities such as obesity (BMI >36), uncontrolled systemic hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and COPD (FEV1 <50%).
• Musculoskeletal or other conditions that would limit exercise participation.
• Pregnant or nursing women