19 Mar Effect of Moderate-Intensity Exercise Training on Peak Oxygen Consumption in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Sara Saberi
Sara Saberi, MD
Assistant Professor
Inherited Cardiomyopathy Program
Frankel Cardiovascular Center
University of Michigan Hospital and Health Systems
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are often told not to exercise or to significantly curb their exercise due to concern over the potential risk of increased ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. There is no data regarding risks/benefits of exercise in HCM though. There is, however, data that shows that patients with HCM are less active and more obese than the general population AND a majority feel that exercise restrictions negatively impact their emotional well-being.
So, we devised a randomized clinical trial of a 16-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program versus usual activity with the primary outcome being change in peak VO2 (oxygen consumption). This exercise intervention resulted in a 1.27 mL/kg/min improvement in peak VO2 over the usual activity group, a statistically significant finding. There were no major adverse events (no death, aborted sudden cardiac death, appropriate ICD therapies, or sustained ventricular tachycardia). There was also a 10% improvement in quality of life as measured by the Physical Functioning scale of the SF-36v2.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: The many health benefits of exercise have been well-documented. Patients with HCM can stand to benefit from moderate intensity exercise as well. Lower oxygen consumption has been associated with worse outcomes in patients with HCM. This simple intervention (walking 4-7 days a week for at least 20 minutes) can make a significant impact on peak VO2. Providers will hopefully feel more comfortable encouraging their patients with HCM to keep up a habitual moderate-intensity exercise regimen based on our data.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Future studies will need to study more vigorous exercise regimens, competitive sports participation and the role of exercise in the pediatric population.
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Last Updated on March 19, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD