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Exercise training in heart failure

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Abstract

The reduction of exercise capacity with early occurrence of fatigue and dyspnea is a hallmark of heart failure syndrome. There are objective similarities between heart failure and muscular deconditioning. Deficiencies in peripheral blood flow and skeletal muscle function, morphology, metabolism, and function are present. The protective effects of physical activity have been elucidated in many recent studies: training improves ventilatory control, skeletal muscle metabolism, autonomic nervous system, central and peripheral circulation, and heart function. These provide the physiologic basis to explain the benefits in terms of survival and freedom from hospitalization demonstrated by physical training in heart failure.

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  1. Heart Failure Unit, Cardiology Department, G. da Saliceto Polichirurgico Hospital, 29100, Piacenza, Italy

    Massimo F. Piepoli PhD

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  1. Massimo F. Piepoli PhD
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Correspondence to Massimo F. Piepoli PhD.

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Piepoli, M.F. Exercise training in heart failure. Curr Heart Fail Rep 3, 189–196 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-006-0021-y

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