Exercise in Heart Failure: A Synthesis of Current Research

Exercise intolerance, as a hallmark symptom in patients with heart failure, has been the focus of numerous research initiatives in recent years. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the current literature in order to provide the clinician with an understanding of the state of knowledge regarding the role of exercise in treatment of heart failure. Many studies speak to the effect of exercise training in this population. While sample sizes have been small and restricted predominantly to male subjects with ischemic cardiomyopathies, strong support has been documented in favor of beneficial effects of exercise in heart failure. Future research should target more representative subject pools (i.e., females, non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, cultural minorities, frail elderly, and NYHA class IV), evaluation of impact on quality of life outcomes, exploration of different types and intensity of exercise, and formulation of specific activity prescription tools which can guide practitioners in making activity and/or exercise recommendations to those patients who have no access, or limited access, to cardiac rehabilitation programs.