Aerobic exercise training in heart failure: impact on sympathetic hyperactivity and cardiac and skeletal muscle function

Braz J Med Biol Res. 2011 Sep;44(9):827-35. doi: 10.1590/s0100-879x2011007500075. Epub 2011 Jun 1.

Abstract

Heart failure is a common endpoint for many forms of cardiovascular disease and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Chronic neurohumoral excitation (i.e., sympathetic hyperactivity) has been considered to be a hallmark of heart failure and is associated with a poor prognosis, cardiac dysfunction and remodeling, and skeletal myopathy. Aerobic exercise training is efficient in counteracting sympathetic hyperactivity and its toxic effects on cardiac and skeletal muscles. In this review, we describe the effects of aerobic exercise training on sympathetic hyperactivity, skeletal myopathy, as well as cardiac function and remodeling in human and animal heart failure. We also discuss the mechanisms underlying the effects of aerobic exercise training.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise Tolerance / physiology
  • Heart / physiopathology*
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Heart Failure / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology*
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology*
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology*
  • Ventricular Function / physiology
  • Ventricular Remodeling / physiology