60 with stable CHF and 60 healthy controls were divided into 2 age strata of 65 years old. Subjects were randomized until half of each strata (young healthy, young patients, older healthy, older patients) was in the intervention group, receiving 4 weeks of daily exercise training and the other half was in the control group, receiving usual care. EPCs number and function was measured at baseline and after 4 weeks.
This study found an age-related decline in EPCs number and function in healthy subjects, but not in CHF patients. After the short high-dose aerobic exercise training, a significant increase in function and number of EPCs was found in young and older CHF patients, and in older healthy subjects.
The beneficial effects of exercise training on endothelial function and EPCs were not diminished in older patients with CHF, emphasizing the potentials of exercise interventions in a patient group where CHF has a high prevalence.
> From: Sandri et al., Eur J Prev Cardiol 23 (2017-04-18 10:23:34) 349-58 . All rights reserved to The European Society of Cardiology 2015.. Click here for the online summary.
