The state of exercise training: a need for action

The role of exercise therapy in the treatment of patients with systolic heart failure

The predominant benefits of exercise training in systolic heart failure have been seen with aerobic training, although some information exists for the beneficial effects of resistive training as well. Although men clearly benefit from exercise training, the effects of exercise in women are less clear. Most of the studies have used supervised training 3 to 5 days a week for 8 weeks to 6 months, with 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per session. However, home exercise has been reported in a few studies, and appears to be safe and possibly efficacious. The effects of training on mortality are unknown at this time, although no study has demonstrated increased adverse events associated with training. Exercise training should be recommended for patients with stable New York Heart Association class II to III heart failure.

Nonpharmacologic care of heart failure: counseling, dietary restriction, rehabilitation, treatment of sleep apnea, and ultrafiltration

The prognosis of patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) depends not only on pharmacologic therapy but also on nonpharmacologic aspects. A complete and ongoing education program for treating CHF includes an understanding of the causes of CHF, symptoms, diet, salt and fluid restriction, drug regimen, compliance, physical and work activities, lifestyle changes, and measures of self-control. Moreover, the nonpharmacologic treatment (dietary modifications, lifestyle, physical exercise, and health care education) must be inserted in a multidisciplinary program organized by the physician in conjunction with the health system, the nurses, and, especially, the patients themselves, who must understand their disease and the many therapeutic options. Cardiologists should treat patients in a clear and comprehensible way, and other specialists (dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers), together with the patient's family, should strive for the best living conditions for the patient. In this way, the treatment of CHF can improve the quantity and quality of life and save a significant amount in health care costs.