Exercise Improves Pumping Function In Heart Failure Patients

Physical exercise among heart failure patients does not worsen the condition, as physicians have warned for years. In fact, according to German and Norwegian scientists, it makes the heart stronger and reduces the risk of mortality. For the study, 261 patients with congestive heart failure were assigned to three exercise groups: high intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate continuous training (MCT, about 3,000 steps in 30 minutes), and no exercise at all. At the end of 52 weeks, the groups that exercised moderately or intensively showed a decrease in the size of the left ventricle and improvement in pumping function, and better overall physical fitness. The researchers found no difference in outcomes between HIIT and MCT. Those who did not exercise showed significantly worse heart pumping function and increased hospitalization. [ Image credit: © Wikimedia Commons ]