Exercise training improves peak oxygen consumption and haemodynamics in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and inoperable chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

Effects of combined aerobic, resistance and inspiratory training in patients with pulmonary hypertension: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious progressive disorder of the modern world, characterized by endothelial dysfunction and impaired vasoreactivity. Patients with PH usually present exercise intolerance from the very early stages and reduced exercise capacity. Exercise training has been shown to have beneficial effects in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. However, data regarding the effects of combined exercise training programs in patients with PH still remains limited.

AIM

To investigate the effects of combined exercise training programs on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with PH.

METHODS

Our search included all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding combined aerobic, resistance and inspiratory training programs in patients with PH in 4 databases (Pubmed, PEDro, Embase, CINAHL) from 2012 to 2022. Five RCTs were included in the final analysis. Functional capacity, assessed by peak VO2 or 6-min walking test (6MWT), as well as quality of life, assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire, were set as the primary outcomes in our study.

RESULTS

Peak VO2 was measured in 4 out of the 5 RCTs while 6MWT was measured in all RCTs. Both indices of functional capacity were significantly increased in patients with PH who underwent combined exercise training compared to the controls in all of the included RCTs (P < 0.05). Quality of life was measured in 4 out of 5 RCTs. Although patients improved their quality of life in each group, however, only 2 RCTs demonstrated further improvement in patients performing combined training compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

By this systematic review, we have demonstrated that combined aerobic, resistance and inspiratory exercise training is safe and has beneficial effects on aerobic capacity and quality of life in patients with PH. Such exercise training regimen may be part of the therapeutic strategy of the syndrome.

[Pulmonary hypertension in adults with congenital heart disease in light of the 2022-ESC-PAH guidelines - Part II: Supportive therapy, special situations (pregnancy, contraception, non-cardiac surgery), targeted pharmacotherapy, organ transplantation, special management (shunt lesions, left ventricular disorders, univentricular hearts), interventions, intensive care, follow-up, future perspectives]

The number of adults with congenital heart defects (CHD) is steadily rising and amounts to approximately 360,000 in Germany. CHD is often associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH), which may develop early in untreated CHD. Despite timely treatment of CHD, PH not infrequently persists or recurs in older age and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.The revised European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society 2022 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PH represent a significant contribution to the optimized care of those affected. However, the topic of "adults with congenital heart disease" is addressed only relatively superficial in these guidelines. Therefore, in the present article, this topic is commented in detail from the perspective of congenital cardiology.

Combined physical training protects the left ventricle from structural and functional damages in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND

Under the adverse remodeling of the right ventricle and interventricular septum in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) the left ventricle (LV) dynamics is impaired. Despite the benefits of combined aerobic and resistance physical trainings to individuals with PAH, its impact on the LV is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

To test whether moderate-intensity combined physical training performed during the development of PAH induced by MCT in rats is beneficial to the LV's structure and function.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Sedentary Hypertensive Survival (SHS, n = 7); and Exercise Hypertensive Survival (EHS, n = 7) to test survival. To investigate the effects of combined physical training, another group of rats were divided into three groups: Sedentary Control (SC, n = 7); Sedentary Hypertensive (SH, n = 7); and Exercise Hypertensive (EH, n = 7). PAH was induced through an intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg). Echocardiographic evaluations were conducted on the 22nd day after MCT administration. Animals in the EHS and EH groups participated in a combined physical training program, alternating aerobic (treadmill running: 50 min, 60% maximum running speed) and resistance (ladder climbing: 15 climbs with 1 min interval, 60% maximum carrying load) exercises, one session/day, 5 days/week for approximately 4 weeks.

RESULTS

The physical training increased survival and tolerance to aerobic (i.e., maximum running speed) and resistance (i.e., maximum carrying load) exertions and prevented reductions in ejection fraction and fractional shortening. In addition, the physical training mitigated oxidative stress (i.e., CAT, SOD and MDA) and inhibited adverse LV remodeling (i.e., Collagen, extracellular matrix, and cell dimensions). Moreover, the physical training preserved the amplitude and velocity of contraction and hindered the reductions in the amplitude and velocity of the intracellular Ca2+ transient in LV single myocytes.

CONCLUSION

Moderate-intensity combined physical training performed during the development of MCT-induced PAH in rats protects their LV from damages to its structure and function and hence increases their tolerance to physical exertion and prolongs their survival.

Safety, feasibility and effectiveness of the remotely delivered Pulmonary Hypertension and Home-Based (PHAHB) physical activity intervention

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous condition, associated with a high symptom burden and a substantial loss of exercise capacity. Despite prior safety concerns regarding physical exertion, exercise training as a supportive therapy is now recommended for PH patients. Currently, most programmes are hospital-based, which limits accessibility. There is a need to provide alternative approaches for physical activity engagement for PH patients. The aim of this research was to develop, implement and evaluate the safety, feasibility and effectiveness of home-based physical activity intervention for PH.

Methods

An entirely remotely delivered home-based physical activity intervention underpinned by behaviour change theory and informed by end-users, was assessed using a single-arm feasibility study design. Participants (n=19; 80% female) with a mean±sd age of 49.9±15.9 years with a diagnosis of PH undertook a 10-week, home-based physical activity intervention with induction training, support materials, telecommunication support, health coaching, exercise training and assessments, all remotely delivered. Training involved respiratory training along with a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises.

Results

The intervention was deemed safe as no adverse events were reported. A high level of feasibility was demonstrated as the protocol was implemented as intended, sustained a high level of engagement and adherence and was well accepted by participants in terms of enjoyment and utility. There was a significant improvement in functional capacity, physical activity, exercise self-efficacy and quality of life, between baseline and post-training.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that an entirely remotely delivered home-based physical activity programme is safe, feasible and effective in improving functional capacity, physical activity and quality of life in PH patients.

Exercised-based cardiac rehabilitation associates with lower all-cause mortality in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension

Background

Despite pharmacological therapies to improve outcomes of pulmonary hypertension (PH), poor long-term survival remains. Exercised-based cardiac rehabilitation (ExCR) may be an alternative strategy to improve prognosis. Therefore, using an electronic medical record (EMR) database, the objective of this study was to compare mortality between patients with primary PH with ExCR vs. propensity-matched PH patients without ExCR.

Methods

The retrospective analysis was conducted on February 15, 2023 using anonymized data within TriNetX, a global federated health research network. All patients were aged ≥18 years with primary PH recorded in EMRs with at least 1-year follow-up from ExCR. Using logistic regression models, patients with PH with an EMR of ExCR were 1:1 propensity score-matched with PH patients without ExCR for age, sex, race, and comorbidities, and cardiovascular care.

Results

In total, 109,736 patients with primary PH met the inclusion criteria for the control group and 784 patients with primary PH met the inclusion criteria for the ExCR cohort. Using the propensity score-matched cohorts, 1-year mortality from ExCR was proportionally lower with 13.6% (n = 101 of 744 patients) in the ExCR cohort compared to 23.3% (n = 174 of 747 patients) in the controls (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.40-0.68).

Conclusion

The present study of 1,514 patients with primary PH suggests that ExCR is associated with 48% lower odds of 1-year mortality, when compared to propensity score-matched patients without ExCR.

Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare pulmonary vascular disease characterized by progressive pulmonary arterial remodeling, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular dysfunction, and reduced survival. Effective therapies have been developed that target three pathobiologic pathways in PAH: nitric oxide, endothelin-1, and prostacyclin. Approved therapies for PAH include phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors, soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, endothelin receptor antagonists, prostacyclin analogs, and prostacyclin receptor agonists. Management of PAH in the modern era incorporates multidimensional risk assessment to guide the use of these medications. For patients with PAH and without significant comorbidities, current guidelines recommend two oral medications (phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor and endothelin receptor antagonist) for low- and intermediate-risk patients, with triple therapy including a parenteral prostacyclin to be considered in those at high or intermediate-high risk. Combination therapy may be poorly tolerated and less effective in patients with PAH and cardiopulmonary comorbidities. Thus, a single-agent approach with individualized decisions to add-on other PAH therapies is recommended in older patients and those with significant comorbid conditions. Management of PAH is best performed in multidisciplinary teams located in experienced centers. Other core pillars of PAH management include supportive and adjunctive treatments including oxygen, diuretics, rehabilitation, and anticoagulation in certain patients. Patients with PAH who progress despite optimal treatment or who are refractory to best medical care should be referred for lung transplantation, if eligible. Despite considerable progress, PAH is often fatal and new therapies that reverse the disease and improve outcomes are desperately needed.

Association between sarcopenia and exercise capacity in patients with pulmonary hypertension without left heart disease

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has recently been described as a complex clinical syndrome affecting multiple organ systems, including the heart, lungs, and skeletal muscle, each of which plays an important role in exercise capacity. However, the relationship between exercise capacity and skeletal muscle abnormalities in patients with PH has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the exercise capacity and measures of skeletal muscle of 107 patients with PH without left heart disease (mean age 63 ± 15 years, 32.7% males, n = 30/6/66/5 in the clinical classification Group 1/3/4/5).

RESULTS

Sarcopenia, low appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, low grip strength, and slow gait speed, determined by international criteria, were found in 15 (14.0%), 16 (15.0%), 62 (57.9%), and 41 (38.3%) patients, respectively. The mean 6-min walk distance of all patients was 436 ± 134 m and was independently associated with sarcopenia (standardised β = -0.292, p < 0.001). All patients with sarcopenia showed reduced exercise capacity defined as 6-min walk distance < 440 m. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that each of the components of sarcopenia was associated with reduced exercise capacity (adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of appendicular skeletal muscle mass index: 0.39 [0.24-0.63] per 1 kg/m2, p = 0.006, grip strength: 0.83 [0.74-0.94] per 1 kg, p = 0.003, and gait speed: 0.31 [0.18-0.51] per 0.1 m/s, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia and its components are associated with reduced exercise capacity in patients with PH. A multifaceted evaluation may be important in the management of reduced exercise capacity in patients with PH.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and progressive disease characterised by remodelling of the pulmonary arteries and progressive narrowing of the pulmonary vasculature. This leads to a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure and, if left untreated, to right ventricular failure and death. A correct diagnosis requires a complete work-up including right heart catheterisation performed in a specialised centre. Although our knowledge of the epidemiology, pathology and pathophysiology of the disease, as well as the development of innovative therapies, has progressed in recent decades, PAH remains a serious clinical condition. Current treatments for the disease target the three specific pathways of endothelial dysfunction that characterise PAH: the endothelin, nitric oxide and prostacyclin pathways. The current treatment algorithm is based on the assessment of severity using a multiparametric risk stratification approach at the time of diagnosis (baseline) and at regular follow-up visits. It recommends the initiation of combination therapy in PAH patients without cardiopulmonary comorbidities. The choice of therapy (dual or triple) depends on the initial severity of the condition. The main treatment goal is to achieve low-risk status. Further escalation of treatment is required if low-risk status is not achieved at subsequent follow-up assessments. In the most severe patients, who are already on maximal medical therapy, lung transplantation may be indicated. Recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease have led to the development of promising emerging therapies targeting dysfunctional pathways beyond endothelial dysfunction, including the TGF-β and PDGF pathways.

Routine Rehabilitation as a Treatment Component for Patients With Pulmonary Arterial or Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertensions

PURPOSE

Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have long been advised to avoid exercise in fear of deterioration in right-sided heart function. Since the 2009 European Society of Cardiology guidelines, rehabilitation in expert centers is considered to have a specific role in care of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We report routine rehabilitation effects in patients with PH as a component of real-life multimodal treatment.

METHODS

Patients with PAH or CTEPH were recommended for either in- or outpatient rehabilitation in addition to their usual care, unless there were practical problems or the patient declined. Assessment was conducted according to New York Heart Association classes, adverse events, 6 min-walk test, hemodynamics, and risk stratification after rehabilitation.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients, 61% female, age 60 ±18 yr were included between March 2010 and May 2019. No major adverse events or deaths related to progression of right-sided heart failure were reported. Nevertheless, 22% of participants suffered adverse events in most cases not linked with physical activity. Rehabilitation as add-on to medical therapy and/or arterial deobstruction improved New York Heart Association class: mean difference, -0.39 (95% CI, -0.68 to -0.10), 6-min walk test: mean difference, 80 m (95% CI, 46-114), and was associated with improved right-sided heart hemodynamics. The risk assessment grade improved by -0.25 points (95% CI, -0.44 to -0.06) after rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with PAH or CTEPH, supervised rehabilitation as add-on to medical therapy and/or arterial deobstruction is safe and effective in improving patient and clinically related outcomes.

Effects of Exercise Training on Circulating Biomarkers of Endothelial Function in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

INTRODUCTION

In stable patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an effective, safe and cost-effective non-pharmacological treatment. However, the effects of PR on vascular function have been poorly explored. This study aimed to compare the amounts of circulating progenitor cells (PCs) and endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) in patients with PAH before and after 8 weeks of endurance exercise training as markers of vascular competence.

METHODS

A prospective study of 10 consecutive patients with PAH that successfully finished a PR program (8 weeks) was carried out before and after this intervention. Levels of circulating PCs defined as CD34+CD45low progenitor cells and levels of EMVs (CD31+ CD42b-) were measured by flow cytometry. The ratio of PCs to EMVs was taken as a measure of the balance between endothelial damage and repair capacity.

RESULTS

All patients showed training-induced increases in endurance time (mean change 287 s). After PR, the number of PCs (CD34+CD45low/total lymphocytes) was increased (p < 0.05). In contrast, after training, the level of EMVs (CD31+ CD42b-/total EMVs) was reduced. The ratio of PCs to EMVs was significantly higher after training (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows, for the first time, that endurance exercise training in patients with stable PAH has a positive effect, promoting potential mechanisms of damage/repair in favor of repair. This effect could contribute to a positive hemodynamic and clinical response.

Safety and effectiveness of standardized exercise training in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (TRAIN-HFpEF-PH): study protocol for a randomized controlled multicenter trial

BACKGROUND

Left heart failure (HF) is characterized by an elevation in left-sided filling pressures, causing symptoms of dyspnea, impairing exercise capacity, and leading to pulmonary venous congestion and secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH). There is an increased incidence of PH associated with left heart disease, particularly with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF-PH). Treatment possibilities in HFpEF-PH are non-specific and very limited, thus additional pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies are needed. Various types of exercise-based rehabilitation programs have been shown to improve exercise capacity and quality of life (QoL) of HF and PH patients. However, no study focused on exercise training in the population of HFpEF-PH. This study is designed to investigate whether a standardized low-intensity exercise and respiratory training program is safe and may improve exercise capacity, QoL, hemodynamics, diastolic function, and biomarkers in patients with HFpEF-PH.

METHODS

A total of 90 stable patients with HFpEF-PH (World Health Organization functional class II-IV) will be randomized (1:1) to receive a 15-week specialized low-intensity rehabilitation program, including exercise and respiratory therapy and mental gait training, with an in-hospital start, or standard care alone. The primary endpoint of the study is a change in 6-min walk test distance; secondary endpoints are changes in peak exercise oxygen uptake, QoL, echocardiographic parameters, prognostic biomarkers, and safety parameters.

DISCUSSION

To date, no study has investigated the safety and efficacy of exercising specifically in the HFpEF-PH population. We believe that a randomized controlled multicenter trial, which protocol we are sharing in this article, will add important knowledge about the potential utility of a specialized low-intensity exercise and respiratory training program for HFpEF-PH and will be valuable in finding optimal treatment strategies for these patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05464238. July 19, 2022.

Pulmoner Arteriyel Hipertansiyonlu Hastalarda İnspiratuar Kas Eğitiminin Fonksiyonel Egzersiz Kapasitesi ve Yaşam Kalitesi Üzerine Etkisi: Bir Sistematik Derleme

Pulmoner Arteriyal Hipertansiyon hastalarında, hastalığın erken dönemlerinde semptomlar eforla ortaya çıkarken, hastalığın ileri evrelerinde dinlenme durumunda da gözlenebilir. Pulmoner Arteriyal Hipertansiyon hastaları için optimize edilmiş tıbbi tedavi bulunmasına rağmen, çoğu Pulmoner Arteriyal Hipertansiyon hastası düşük egzersiz kapasitesi ve yaşam kalitesinden şikayetçidir. Pulmoner Arteriyal Hipertansiyon tedavi parametrelerinden biri pulmoner rehabilitasyondur. Pulmoner rehabilitasyon muldisipliner bir yaklaşımdır. Pulmoner Arteriyal Hipertansiyon için en önemli bileşeni fizyoterapi programıdır. Kişiye özel fizyoterapi programları egzersiz eğitimi, solunum kas eğitimi, hasta eğitimi bileşenlerinden oluşmaktadır. Solunum kas kuvveti eğitimi daha çok spesifik olarak İnspiratuar Kas Eğitimi şeklinde uygulanmaktadır. Pulmoner Arteriyal Hipertansiyonlu hastalar için İnspiratuar Kas Eğitimi uygulamasının genel etkilerini araştıran ve konu alan çalışma sayısı azdır. Bu çalışmanın amacı Pulmoner Arteriyal Hipertansiyonlu hastalarda İnspiratuar Kas Eğitimi’nin hastanın fonksiyonel egzersiz kapasitesinin ve yaşam kalitesinin artmasında etkili midir? sorusunu cevaplamaktır. Ocak 2022 tarihinden önce PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library olmak üzere üç ana veri tabanında arama yapıldı. Arama son 5 yılda yayınlanan randomize kontrollü prospektif çalışmalar olacak şekilde sınırlandırıldı. Pulmoner Arteriyal Hipertansiyonlu hastalarda İnspiratuar Kas Eğitimi uygulanan çalışmalar dahil edildi. Tam metinler okunduktan sonra dahil edilme kriterlerine uygun iki çalışma bulundu. Bu yayınların tümü randomize kontrollü prospektif çalışmalardı. Çalışmalar incelendiğinde, Pulmoner Arteriyal Hipertansiyonlu hastalarda İnspiratuar Kas Eğitimi uygulamasının, fonksiyonel egzersiz kapasitesini ve inspiratuar kas kuvvetini arttırdığı ancak yaşam kalitesini arttırmadaki etkinliğinin belirsiz olduğu sonucuna varıldı.

Obesity in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease: The Role of Age, Complexity, and Sociodemographics

The prevalence of obesity in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) is greater than 25%, putting these patients at-risk for increased surgical morbidity and mortality. Our goal was to determine the association between CHD complexity, sociodemographic factors, and obesity. Our hypothesis was that among CHD patients, the odds of obesity would be highest in older children with simple CHD, and in all children with a lower socioeconomic status. We conducted a retrospective cohort study, reviewing electronic medical records of children aged 2-17 years from over 50 outpatient pediatric clinics in Houston, TX. Children were classified as simple or moderate/complex CHD, and obesity was defined by BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between sociodemographic factors and CHD complexity with obesity. We identified 648 CHD and 369,776 non-CHD patients. Children with simple CHD had a similar odds of obesity as non-CHD children. Children with CHD had a higher prevalence of obesity if they were older, male, Black, Hispanic, and publicly insured. Children with moderate/complex CHD had lower odds of obesity [OR 0.24 (95% CI 0.07-0.73)], however their predicted probability of obesity approached that of the general population as they aged. Additionally, there was an incremental relationship with poverty and obesity [1.01 (1.01-1.01)]. Awareness of which patients with CHD are at highest risk of obesity may help in targeting interventions to assist at-risk patients maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Exercise-based rehabilitation programmes for pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND

Individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have reduced exercise capacity and quality of life. Despite initial concerns that exercise training may worsen symptoms in this group, several studies have reported improvements in functional capacity and well-being following exercise-based rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of exercise-based rehabilitation for people with PH compared with usual care or no exercise-based rehabilitation.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 28 June 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in people with PH comparing supervised exercise-based rehabilitation programmes with usual care or no exercise-based rehabilitation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. exercise capacity, 2. serious adverse events during the intervention period and 3. health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Our secondary outcomes were 4. cardiopulmonary haemodynamics, 5. Functional Class, 6. clinical worsening during follow-up, 7. mortality and 8. changes in B-type natriuretic peptide. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included eight new studies in the current review, which now includes 14 RCTs. We extracted data from 11 studies. The studies had low- to moderate-certainty evidence with evidence downgraded due to inconsistencies in the data and performance bias. The total number of participants in meta-analyses comparing exercise-based rehabilitation to control groups was 462. The mean age of the participants in the 14 RCTs ranged from 35 to 68 years. Most participants were women and classified as Group I pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Study durations ranged from 3 to 25 weeks. Exercise-based programmes included both inpatient- and outpatient-based rehabilitation that incorporated both upper and lower limb exercise. The mean six-minute walk distance following exercise-based rehabilitation was 48.52 metres higher than control (95% confidence interval (CI) 33.42 to 63.62; I² = 72%; 11 studies, 418 participants; low-certainty evidence), the mean peak oxygen uptake was 2.07 mL/kg/min higher than control (95% CI 1.57 to 2.57; I² = 67%; 7 studies, 314 participants; low-certainty evidence) and the mean peak power was 9.69 W higher than control (95% CI 5.52 to 13.85; I² = 71%; 5 studies, 226 participants; low-certainty evidence). Three studies reported five serious adverse events; however, exercise-based rehabilitation was not associated with an increased risk of serious adverse event (risk difference 0, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.03; I² = 0%; 11 studies, 439 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The mean change in HRQoL for the 36-item Short Form (SF-36) Physical Component Score was 3.98 points higher (95% CI 1.89 to 6.07; I² = 38%; 5 studies, 187 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and for the SF-36 Mental Component Score was 3.60 points higher (95% CI 1.21 to 5.98 points; I² = 0%; 5 RCTs, 186 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There were similar effects in the subgroup analyses for participants with Group 1 PH versus studies of groups with mixed PH. Two studies reported mean reduction in mean pulmonary arterial pressure following exercise-based rehabilitation (mean reduction: 9.29 mmHg, 95% CI -12.96 to -5.61; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 133 participants; low-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In people with PH, supervised exercise-based rehabilitation may result in a large increase in exercise capacity. Changes in exercise capacity remain heterogeneous and cannot be explained by subgroup analysis. It is likely that exercise-based rehabilitation increases HRQoL and is probably not associated with an increased risk of a serious adverse events. Exercise training may result in a large reduction in mean pulmonary arterial pressure. Overall, we assessed the certainty of the evidence to be low for exercise capacity and mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and moderate for HRQoL and adverse events. Future RCTs are needed to inform the application of exercise-based rehabilitation across the spectrum of people with PH, including those with chronic thromboembolic PH, PH with left-sided heart disease and those with more severe disease.

New trends in pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a prevalent disease of the pulmonary vasculature that is characterised by considerable morbidity and mortality. Substantial efforts have been made in recent years to improve disease recognition, diagnosis and management, and this is reflected in current guidelines. The haemodynamic definition of PH has been revised and a definition for exercise PH has been provided. Risk stratification has been refined and the importance of comorbidities and phenotyping have been highlighted. These changes provide an opportunity to potentially identify pulmonary vascular disease at an earlier stage and to enhance patient-centred, goal-orientated treatment decisions. A promising fourth treatment pathway for pulmonary arterial hypertension and potential targeted therapies for group 3 PH are on the horizon, concepts which seemed inconceivable only a few years ago. Beyond medication, there is a greater appreciation for the importance of supervised training in stable PH and the possible role of interventional therapies in select cases. The landscape of PH is changing and it is characterised by progress, innovation and opportunities. In this article, we highlight some of the new trends in PH, with a specific focus on the revised European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society 2022 guidelines for the diagnosis and management of PH.

Predictors of Improvement in Exercise Tolerance After Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Background Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) improves exercise tolerance and hemodynamic parameters in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. However, it is still unclear which patient characteristics contribute to the improvement in exercise tolerance after BPA in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Methods and Results We retrospectively analyzed 126 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (aged 63±14 years; female, 65%) who underwent BPA without concomitant programmed exercise rehabilitation at Keio University between November 2012 and April 2018. Hemodynamic data and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), as a measure of exercise tolerance, were evaluated before and 1 year after BPA. The clinical characteristics that contributed to improvement in exercise tolerance were elucidated. The 6MWD significantly increased from 372.0 m (256.5-431.3) to 462.0 m (378.8-537.0) 1 year after BPA (P<0.001). The improvement rate in the 6MWD after BPA exhibited a good correlation with age, height, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and 6MWD at baseline (Spearman rank correlation coefficients=-0.28, 0.24, -0.40, and 0.44, respectively). Additional multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that young age, tall height, high mean pulmonary artery pressure, short 6MWD at baseline, and high lung capacity at baseline were significant predictors of the improvement in 6MWD by BPA (standardized partial regression coefficient -0.39, 0.22, 0.19, -0.62, and 0.25, P<0.001, 0.007, 0.011, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). Conclusions BPA without concomitant programmed exercise rehabilitation significantly improves exercise tolerance. This was particularly true in young patients with high stature, high mean pulmonary artery pressure, short 6MWD, and lung capacity at the time of diagnosis.

Allgemeine Therapie der pulmonalarteriellen Hypertonie nach den neuen Leitlinien

In den neuen Leitlinien (LL) für pulmonalarterielle Hypertonie (PAH) sind die allgemeinen Maßnahmen ein integraler Bestandteil der Behandlung der Patienten. Auch die systemischen Auswirkungen der pulmonalen Hypertonie und Rechtsherzinsuffizienz sollten angemessen berücksichtigt und behandelt werden. Im folgenden Artikel werden die in den LL genannten Maßnahmen unter Berücksichtigung des bestehenden Empfehlungsgrads und der Evidenzen beschrieben. Leider sind die meisten Allgemeinmaßnahmen, wie die Gabe von Diuretika, Sauerstoff, psychosozialer Support und Impfungen, nicht oder unzureichend in randomisierten, kontrollierten Studien untersucht worden. So haben sie zwar einen hohen I-Empfehlungsgrad, aber einen niedrigen Evidenzgrad C. Nur bei dem spezialisierten körperlichen Training liegen bislang insgesamt 7 randomisierte, kontrollierte Studien und 5 Metaanalysen vor, die eine Verbesserung der Sauerstoffaufnahme, körperlichen Belastbarkeit, der Beschwerden (WHO-Funktionsklasse), Lebensqualität und Hämodynamik nachgewiesen haben (daher neu IA-Empfehlung). Auch weitere Maßnahmen wie die Antikoagulation, Eisensubstitution und andere werden im Folgenden besprochen.

Exercise Training in Pulmonary Hypertension: AN UPDATED SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH META-ANALYSIS

PURPOSE

Given that previous reviews on exercise training in pulmonary hypertension (PH) were largely based on a small number of randomized controlled trials (RCT), their conclusions are subject to bias. This review sought to identify the impact of exercise training on functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PH using advanced statistical approaches such as meta-analysis by stratification according to study design.

REVIEW METHODS

Five databases were searched from January 2015 to April 2020 to update a previous review. Included articles had data extracted, risk of bias (ROB) assessed, and quality rating performed. Data were analyzed using meta-analysis with a random-effects model for 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance and HRQoL. Heterogeneity was explored using stratified meta-analysis, within patient correlation and meta-regression.

RESULTS

A total of 28 studies (11 RCT, 12 pre-/post-studies, 2 two-group non-RCT, and three case series) consisting of 1264 patients were included. Meta-analysis of six RCT demonstrated an improved 6MWT distance by 49.5 m (95% CI, 27.2-71.8: I2 = 73%; 254 participants; low-moderate ROB) with a low correlation coefficient of 0.34, while the 12 pre-/post-non-RCT showed an improvement of 68.36 m (95% CI, -86.78 to -49.94: I2 = 37%; 746 participants; high ROB) along with improvements in V˙ o2peak (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 3.03 mL/kg/min, 95% CI, 2.17-3.90: I2 = 0%, P = .82), and HRQoL (WMD = 2.74: 95% CI, -0.82 to 6.30). Metaregression showed that the benefit of exercise on 6MWT distance did not significantly vary across the trial study characteristics.

CONCLUSION

This updated review identified an additional body of evidence supporting the efficacy of exercise training on 6MWT distance and HRQoL in stable PH patients. These benefits appeared to be consistent across models of delivery.

Exercise Training as a Non-Pharmacological Therapy for Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Home-Based Rehabilitation Program and Training Recommendations

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic and progressive disorder with a poor prognosis associated with non-specific symptoms, including general weakness, shortness of breath on exertion, and decreased muscle strength and endurance. Despite recent significant progress in the field of PAH therapy, many patients are still characterized by a dynamic course of the disease, a significant reduction in physical performance, a constantly deteriorating quality of life, and limited activity in everyday life. Thus, the main goal of PAH therapy is to ensure an acceptable level of quality of life as early as possible in the course of the disease, reduce the progression of symptoms and, if possible, improve the prognosis, which is still poor. The perception of the importance of activity and exercise has changed significantly in recent years, and rehabilitation dedicated to PAH patients is now considered to be one of the new adjuvant treatment options. Currently, there is insufficient data on what form, frequency, and intensity of exercise are required for the best results. Nevertheless, exercise training (ET) is necessary in order to reverse the accompanying PAH impairment of exercise capacity and, without additional clinical risk, to maximize the benefits of pharmacotherapy. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the rehabilitation of PAH patients and presents the available rehabilitation models. In addition, it includes a ready-to-use, illustrated, safe home rehabilitation program with recommendations for its use. Utilizing ET as an adjuvant treatment option to improve the functional capacity and quality of life of patients may enhance the clinical effectiveness of therapeutic management and contribute to the improvement of the quality of care for patients suffering from PAH. The beneficial effect of exercise training on the development of symptoms improves the clinical course of the disease, and a lower incidence of adverse events can lead to a reduction in health care expenditure.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test and Rehabilitation for Pulmonary Hypertension Patients

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a rare but lethal disease that affects the pulmonary vascular bed, resulting in hypoxia, respiratory distress, right heart failure, exercise limitation and mortality. Currently, many PAH specific medications are applied to ameliorate patients' symptoms, improve life quality and prolong their lives. The survival rate has improved with medical therapy but patients may still suffer from insufficient exercise capacity. Therefore, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) can play an important role in the evaluation of PAH patients' risk status and treatment response, and, furthermore, it can guide the rehabilitation program. In this article, we would like to introduce the current implementation of CPET and rehabilitation for PAH patients.

Different response of the oxygen pathway in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension treated with pulmonary endarterectomy versus balloon pulmonary angioplasty

Background

Oxygen pathway limitation exists in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) and balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) are two effective interventions for CTEPH, but their effects and comparison of these two interventions on the oxygen pathway are not well demonstrated.

Methods

CTEPH patients with available pulmonary function test, hemodynamics, and blood gas analysis before and after the interventions were included for comparison of oxygen pathway in terms of lung ventilation, lung gas exchange, oxygen delivery, and oxygen extraction between these two interventions.

Results

The change in the percentage of the predicted forced expiratory volume in the 1 s (−3.4 ± 12.7 vs. 3.8 ± 8.7%, P = 0.006) and forced vital capacity (−5.5 ± 13.0 vs. 4.2 ± 9.9%, P = 0.001) among the PEA group (n = 24) and BPA group (n = 46) were significantly different. Patients in the PEA group had a significant increase in their arterial oxygen saturation (from 92.5 ± 3.6 to 94.6 ± 2.4%, P = 0.022), while those in the BPA group had no change, which could be explained by a significant improvement in ventilation/perfusion (−0.48 ± 0.53 vs. −0.17 ± 0.41, P = 0.016). Compared with patients post-BPA, patients post-PEA were characterized by higher oxygen delivery (756.3 ± 229.1 vs. 628.8 ± 188.5 ml/min, P = 0.016) and higher oxygen extraction (203.3 ± 64.8 vs. 151.2 ± 31.9 ml/min, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Partial amelioration of the oxygen pathway limitations could be achieved in CTEPH patients treated with PEA and BPA. CTEPH patients post-PEA had better performance in lung gas exchange, oxygen delivery, and extraction, while those post-BPA had better lung ventilation. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation may assist in improving the impairment of the oxygen pathway.

EmPHasis-10 Health-Related Quality of Life and Exercise Capacity in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension After Balloon Angioplasty

Background

Whether pulmonary hemodynamic parameters and functional capacity are associated with quality of life in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate disease‐specific quality of life using the emPHasis‐10 questionnaire and assess its determinants in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension with normalized pulmonary hemodynamics.

Methods and Results

This cross‐sectional study included 187 health status assessments of 143 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (median age, 68 [58–75] years; men/women, 51/136; use of home oxygen therapy, 51 patients [27%]) after balloon pulmonary angioplasty with normalized mean pulmonary artery pressure <25 mm Hg at rest. Right heart catheterization was performed, followed by assessment of 6‐minute walk distance and the emPHasis‐10 questionnaire. The median pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance were 18 (15–21) mm Hg and 2.2 (1.7–2.9) wood units, respectively. The median emPHasis‐10 score was 14 (8–24), whereas the median 6‐minute walk distance was 447 (385–517) m. Univariate linear regression analysis showed that the emPHasis‐10 score was associated with 6‐minute walk distance (β=−0.476 [95% CI −0.604, −0.348], P<0.001) and home oxygen therapy (β=0.214 [95% CI, 0.072, 0.356], P=0.003) but not with hemodynamic parameters. Multiple regression analysis revealed that a higher emPHasis‐10 score was associated with lower 6‐minute walk distance (β=−0.475 [95% CI, −0.631 to −0.319], P<0.001).

Conclusions

Health‐related quality of life was associated with exercise capacity and the use of home oxygen therapy, but not with hemodynamic parameters, in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and normalized hemodynamics after balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Improvements in exercise capacity may lead to further improvements in quality of life.

Clinician's Corner: Counseling Patients with Pulmonary Vascular Disease Traveling to High Altitude

Ulrich, Silvia, Mona Lichtblau, Simon R. Schneider, Stéphanie Saxer, and Konrad E. Bloch, Clinician's corner: counseling patients with pulmonary vascular disease traveling to high altitude. High Alt Med Biol. 23:201-208, 2022.-Pulmonary vascular diseases (PVDs) with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH), such as pulmonary arterial or chronic thromboembolic PH, impair exercise performance and survival in patients. Vasodilators and other treatments improve quality of life and prognosis to an extent in patients who have PVDs as chronic disorders. Obviously, patients with PVD wish to participate in usual daily activities, including travel to popular settlements and mountainous regions located at high altitude. However, the pulmonary hemodynamic impairment due to PVD leads to blood and tissue hypoxia, particularly during exercise and sleep. It is thus of concern that alveolar hypoxia at higher altitude may exacerbate patients' symptoms and lead to decompensation. Current PH guidelines discourage high-altitude exposure for fear of altitude-related adverse health effects. However, several recent well-designed prospective and randomized trials show that despite altitude-induced hypoxemia, pulmonary hemodynamic changes and impairment of exercise performance in patients with PVD are similar to the responses in healthy people or in patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The vast majority of patients with PVD can tolerate short-term exposure to moderate altitudes up to 2,500 m. For the roughly 10% of patients with stable disease who develop severe hypoxemia when ascending to 2,500 m, they respond well to low-level supplemental oxygen support. The best low-altitude predictors for adverse health effects at high altitude are the known clinical risk factors for PVD such as symptoms, functional class, exercise capacity, and exertional oxygen desaturation, whereas hypoxia altitude simulation testing is of little additive value. In any case, patients should be instructed that altitude-related adverse health effects may be difficult to predict and that in case of worsening symptoms, immediate accompanied descent to lower altitude and oxygen therapy are required. Patients with severe hypoxemia near sea level may safely visit high-altitude regions up to 1,500-2,000 m while continuing oxygen therapy and avoiding strenuous exercise. All PH patients should be counseled before any high-altitude sojourn by doctors with experience in PVD and high-altitude medicine and have an action plan for the occurrence of severe hypoxemia and other altitude-related conditions such as acute mountain sickness.

Rehabilitation in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

For patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) there have been no recommendations for physical rehabilitation for a long time, and in fact physical activity was discouraged. Nowadays, the position regarding exercise in patients with PH has changed studies have shown the safety and effectiveness of exercise in these patients. Most of the studies published to date on rehabilitation in patients with PH have assessed its effect on exercise tolerance. This review provides an overview of published studies and their conclusions on the effectiveness of rehabilitation in patients with chronic thromboembolic hypertension being as a complex therapy using medical and surgical methods of treatment and rehabilitation. The inclusion of rehabilitation in complex treatment allows to achieve patients highest possible tolerance to physical activity, increase in the functional class, quality of life and restore working capacity.

Exercise Rehabilitation Training in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: A Review

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has a high morbidity and mortality. Despite the existing disease-targeted therapy, most patients with PH continue to suffer from difficulty in breathing, exercise intolerance, and reduced quality of life. Recently, a large body of research results has suggested that exercise rehabilitation training (ERT) seems to be a beneficial, safe, and cost-effective treatment for patients with PH. However, knowledge gaps still exist for a uniformly accepted ERT protocol, the modality, duration, intensity, and frequency of ERT in PH. The purpose of this review is to summarise the existing research evidence and knowledge, aiming to strengthen clinicians' awareness of the application of ERT in patients with PH. PubMed databases were systematically searched for eligible studies. Twelve (12) randomised controlled trials and other important studies documenting effectiveness, safety, and adverse events of ERT are summarised. Additionally, the modality, duration, intensity, and frequency of various types of ERT and future research directions are discussed. In summary, ERT is generally effective and safe for PH patients as an adjuvant treatment to disease-specific therapy. It can improve the exercise capacity and tolerance, skeletal and respiratory muscle performance, cardiopulmonary function, and quality of life of PH patients. In view of the occurrence of a small number of adverse events, we currently recommend a combination of in-hospital and home-based ERT under close supervision. In the future, more multi-centre randomised controlled studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of long-term, community, or home-based ERT, as well as to explore the molecular mechanism behind it.

Right ventricle remodeling in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is an underdiagnosed, but potentially curable pulmonary vascular disease. The increased pulmonary vascular resistance in CTEPH is caused by unresolved proximal thrombus and secondary microvasculopathy in the pulmonary vasculature, leading to adaptive and maladaptive remodeling of the right ventricle (RV), eventual right heart failure, and death. Knowledge on the RV remodeling process in CTEPH is limited. The progression to RV failure in CTEPH is a markedly slower process. A detailed understanding of the pathophysiology and underlying mechanisms of RV remodeling may facilitate early diagnosis and the development of targeted therapy. While ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, right heart catheterization, and serum biomarkers have been used to assess cardiac function, the current treatment strategies reduce the afterload of the right heart, but are less effective in improving the maladaptive remodeling of the right heart. This review systematically summarizes the current knowledge on adaptive and maladaptive remodeling of the right heart in CTEPH from molecular mechanisms to clinical practice.

Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on cardiac magnetic resonance parameters in patients with persistent dyspnea following pulmonary embolism

Background

Persistent dyspnea and reduced exercise capacity is common in pulmonary embolism (PE) survivors. Although improved right ventricular function after pulmonary rehabilitation has been demonstrated in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, it is still unknown whether a similar effect also occurs in other patients with dyspnea after pulmonary embolism.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore potential effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on cardiac structure and function as assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Material and methods

Twenty-six PE survivors with persistent dyspnea were included. Right and left ventricular assessment with CMR was performed before and after an eight-week pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Results

Dyspnea as measured by the Shortness of Breath Questionnaire improved significantly after rehabilitation: 15 (IQR: 7–31) versus 8 (IQR: 3–17). Absolute right ventricular global longitudinal strain by CMR was reduced from 19% to 18% (95% CI of difference: 0–3 percent points), and absolute RV lateral strain from 26% to 24% (95% CI of difference: 1–4 percent points). Right ventricular mass was reduced after rehabilitation from 49 g to 44 g (95% CI of difference: 2–8 g).

Conclusion

Although there was a substantial improvement in dyspnea after rehabilitation, we found only a minor reduction in absolute right ventricular longitudinal strain and right ventricular mass. No other CMR parameter changed. We therefore suggest that rehabilitation effect of in this patient group was not primarily mediated by cardiac adaptions.

Physical Exercise Modalities for the Management of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

Different physical exercise modalities have been widely studied in patients having heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) but with variably reported findings. We, therefore, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether the efficacy of physical activity in the management of HFpEF is related to exercise modalities. PubMed and Embase were searched up to July 2021. The eligible studies included randomized controlled trials that identified effects of physical exercise on patients with HFpEF. Sixteen studies were included to evaluate the efficiency of physical exercise in HFpEF. A pooled analysis showed that exercise training significantly improved peak oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilatory anaerobic threshold, distance covered in the 6-minute walking test, the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow to annular velocities, the Short Form 36 physical component score, and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire total score. However, the changes in other echocardiographic parameters including the ratio of peak early to late diastolic mitral inflow velocities, early diastolic mitral annular velocity, and left atrial volume index were not significant. Both high-intensity and moderate-intensity training significantly improved exercise capacity (as defined by peak VO2), with moderate-intensity exercise having a superior effect. Furthermore, exercise-induced improvement in peak VO2 was partially correlated with exercise duration. Physical exercise could substantially improve exercise capacity, quality of life, and some indicators of cardiac diastolic function in patients with HFpEF. A protocol of moderate-intensity exercise training lasting a longer duration might be more beneficial compared with high-intensity training for patients with HFpEF.

A Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Aerobic Exercise Training in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (the Saturday Study): Protocol for a Prospective, Randomized, and Controlled Trial

Background

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have reduced exercise capacity and poor quality of life. Exercise-based rehabilitation in PAH results in clinically relevant improvements in exercise capacity and hemodynamics. To clarify the mechanism, we will evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise training rehabilitation on right ventricular (RV) remodeling and function as determined measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).

Methods

We will conduct a 26-week multicenter randomized controlled trial. Patients on stable and unchanged PAH-targeted medication are randomly assigned (1:1) to the control and training groups. The primary endpoint is the RV stroke volume (RVSV) change from baseline to Week 26, determined by CMR. Comprehensive RV function is also performed using CMR. Other characteristics of the RV and left ventricle, World Health Organization functional class, 6-min walk distance, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide are included in secondary endpoints. We also investigate the proteomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic changes after exercise training as exploratory endpoints.

Ethics and Dissemination

The study and protocol were approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (Approved No. of ethics committee: L20-17). The results will be disseminated at medical conferences and in journal publications. All participants will sign written informed consent.

Trial Registration Number

ChiCTR2000031650.

Exercise Training in Post-COVID-19 Patients: The Need for a Multifactorial Protocol for a Multifactorial Pathophysiology

The battle against COVID-19 has entered a new phase with Rehabilitation Centres being among the major players, because the medical outcome of COVID-19 patients does not end with the control of pulmonary inflammation marked by a negative virology test, as many patients continue to suffer from long-COVID-19 syndrome. Exercise training is known to be highly valuable in patients with cardiac or lung disease, and it exerts beneficial effects on the immune system and inflammation. We therefore reviewed past and recent papers about exercise training, considering the multifactorial features characterizing post-COVID-19 patients’ clinical conditions. Consequently, we conceived a proposal for a post-COVID-19 patient exercise protocol as a combination of multiple recommended exercise training regimens. Specifically, we built pre-evaluation and exercise training for post-COVID-19 patients taking advantage of the various programs of exercise already validated for diseases that may share pathophysiological and clinical characteristics with long-COVID-19.

Acute and chronic exercise training in patients with Class II pulmonary hypertension: effects on haemodynamics and symptoms

More than half of heart failure (HF) patients have concomitant pulmonary hypertension, impacting symptoms and prognosis. The role of exercise in this category of patients is still unclear, probably because of the lack of a clear relationship between exercise and acute and chronic pulmonary artery pressure variations and related changes in symptoms. The limited evidence on this topic is contradictory and hardly comparable due to use of different exercise programmes and pulmonary artery pressure assessment techniques. This is further compounded by different functional and structural classes of HF making definite assessments and interpretations of exercise effect on outcomes difficult. Exercise training programmes were proven beneficial in HF patients; however, the lack of data about their pulmonary haemodynamic effects prevents clear indications on the best exercise types for patients presenting secondary pulmonary hypertension and different HF categories. Indeed, some data suggest that not all HF patients have similar responses to training, leading to either beneficial or detrimental effects, depending on the HF type. Future studies, involving modern technologies such as continuous pulmonary artery pressure monitoring implantable devices, may clarify the current gaps in this field, aiming at patient‐tailored exercise training rehabilitation programmes, in order to improve clinical outcomes, quality of life, and hopefully prognosis.

A wrinkle in time: circadian biology in pulmonary vascular health and disease

An often overlooked element of pulmonary vascular disease is time. Cellular responses to time, which are regulated directly by the core circadian clock, have only recently been elucidated. Despite an extensive collection of data regarding the role of rhythmic contribution to disease pathogenesis (such as systemic hypertension, coronary artery, and renal disease), the roles of key circadian transcription factors in pulmonary hypertension remain understudied. This is despite a large degree of overlap in the pulmonary hypertension and circadian rhythm fields, not only including shared signaling pathways, but also cell-specific effects of the core clock that are known to result in both protective and adverse lung vessel changes. Therefore, the goal of this review is to summarize the current dialogue regarding common pathways in circadian biology, with a specific emphasis on its implications in the progression of pulmonary hypertension. In this work, we emphasize specific proteins involved in the regulation of the core molecular clock while noting the circadian cell-specific changes relevant to vascular remodeling. Finally, we apply this knowledge to the optimization of medical therapy, with a focus on sleep hygiene and the role of chronopharmacology in patients with this disease. In dissecting the unique relationship between time and cellular biology, we aim to provide valuable insight into the practical implications of considering time as a therapeutic variable. Armed with this information, physicians will be positioned to more efficiently use the full four dimensions of patient care, resulting in improved morbidity and mortality of pulmonary hypertension patients.

[Invasive Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing: A Review]

Right heart catheterization (RHC) is the internationally standardized reference method for measuring pulmonary hemodynamics under resting conditions. In recent years, increasing efforts have been made to establish the reliable assessment of exercise hemodynamics as well, in order to obtain additional diagnostic and prognostic data. Furthermore, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), as the most comprehensive non-invasive exercise test, is increasingly performed in combination with RHC providing detailed pathophysiological insights into the exercise response, so-called invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (iCPET).In this review, the accumulated experience with iCPET is presented and methodological details are discussed. This complex examination is especially helpful in differentiating the underlying causes of unexplained dyspnea. In particular, early forms of cardiac or pulmonary vascular dysfunction can be detected by integrated analysis of hemodynamic as well as ventilatory and gas exchange data. It is expected that with increasing validation of iCPET parameters, a more reliable differentiation of normal from pathological stress reactions will be possible.

High-intensity interval training and pulmonary hemodynamics in COPD with hypoxemia

Background

Exercise is recommended for all patients with COPD. Evidence for its benefit is considerably weaker in the more severe stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether high-intensity interval training could improve exercise capacity, pulmonary hemodynamics and cardiac function in patients with severe COPD and hypoxemia.

Methods

Stable patients with COPD GOLD stage III or IV and hypoxemia were included. They underwent extensive cardiopulmonary testing including right heart catheterization, lung function tests, echocardiography and 6-minute walk test before and after completion of 10 weeks of high-intensity interval training performed with supplemental oxygen. Primary endpoint was change in pulmonary artery pressure measured by right heart catheterization.

Results

Ten patients with very severe airflow obstruction, mean FEV1 28.7% predicted and mean FEV1/VC 0.39 completed the exercise programme. Pulmonary artery pressure remained unchanged following the intervention (26,3 mmHg vs. 25,8 mmHg at baseline, p 0.673). Six-minute walk distance improved by a mean of44.8 m (p 0.010), which is also clinically significant. We found marginally improved left ventricular ejection fraction on echocardiography (54.6% vs 59.5%, p 0.046).

Conclusion

High-intensity interval training significantly improved exercise capacity while pulmonary hemodynamics remained unchanged. The improvement may therefore be due to mechanisms other than altered pulmonary artery pressure. The increase in ejection fraction is of uncertain clinical significance. The low number of patients precludes firm conclusions.

Histological and haemodynamic characterization of right ventricle in sedentary and trained rats with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Right ventricle (RV) dysfunction is highly prevalent in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), nearly doubling the risk of death: what are the RV functional and structural changes in HFpEF and how does aerobic exercise impact them? What is the main finding and its importance? The HFpEF ZSF1 rat model presents RV structural and functional changes mimicking the human condition. Aerobic exercise prevented the decline in V ̇ O 2 max , lowered surrogate markers of RV overload (e.g., higher mean and maximum systolic pressure) and improved diastolic dysfunction (e.g., end-diastolic pressure and relaxation time constant). This emphasizes the importance of using exercise to manage HFpEF.

ABSTRACT

Right ventricle (RV) dysfunction is highly prevalent in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and is a marker of poor prognosis. We assessed the obese ZSF1 rat model of HFpEF to ascertain if these animals also develop RV dysfunction and evaluated whether aerobic exercise could prevent this. Obese ZSF1 rats were randomly allocated to an aerobic exercise training group (n = 7; treadmill running, 5 days/week, 60 min/day, 15 m/min for 5 weeks) or to a sedentary group (n = 7). We used lean ZSF1 rats (n = 7) as the control group. After 5 weeks, rats were submitted to an exercise tolerance test and invasive haemodynamic evaluation, killed and samples from the RV collected for histological analysis. Obese sedentary ZSF1 rats showed lower V ̇ O 2 max , RV pressure overload (e.g., higher mean and maximum systolic pressure) and diastolic dysfunction (e.g., higher minimum and end-diastolic pressure and relaxation time constant), paralleled by RV cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Except for cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, aerobic exercise prevented these functional changes. Our data support that this model of HFpEF shows functional and structural changes in the RV that resemble the human HFpEF phenotype, reinforcing its utility to understand this pathophysiology and to adress novel therapeutic targets to manage HFpEF. In addition, we showed that aerobic exercise is cardioprotective for the RV. A deeper knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the benefits of aerobic exercise could also lead to the identification of therapeutic targets to be further explored.

Effects of exercise training on heart rate variability in children and adolescents with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a pilot study

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is often associated with cardiac autonomic dysfunction, and heart rate variability (HRV) as marker of cardiac autonomic function is even related to disease severity. Knowledge about the effects of physical activity on HRV is limited in these patients. We aimed to assess whether HRV parameters can be influenced by a supervised exercise training program and whether respective changes are related to levels of activity.

Methods

Six children and adolescents with moderate PAH (3 female, mean age 15.0±4.4 years; mean pulmonary to systemic arterial pressure ratio 0.5±0.2) performed supervised endurance and resistance training for 16 weeks. PAH-specific targeted medication remained unchanged during the study period. HRV was assessed before training and after 16 weeks of training by the use of ECG Move accelerometers. HRV indices included: standard deviation of normal-to-normal (NN) intervals (SDNN), square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between successive NN-intervals (RMSSD), proportion of the number of pairs of successive normal-to-normal intervals that differ by more than 50 ms divided by total number of normal-to-normal interval (pNN50), and the Baevsky stress index (BSI) calculated by the histogram method.

Results

Before and after the training program, SDNN, RMSSD and pNN50 correlated with the level of physical activity. Mean values of SDNN, RMSSD and pNN50 did not change significantly due to the training program. Notably, activity level depending SDNN increased markedly after the exercise program (during activity +12.4%, at rest +6.6% and reclining +8.1%, Hedge's g of 0.28, 0.14 and 0.27, respectively). BSI decreased during activity due to the training program reflecting a reduction of stress level (Hedge's g -0.87 indicating an effect of clinical relevance).

Conclusions

According to the experience of this pilot study a workout program of 16 weeks revealed an activity level dependent effect on parameters of autonomic cardiac function in children and adolescents with PAH. This mechanism might contribute to the positive effects of exercise training in patients with PAH.

Preventive training does not interfere with mRNA-encoding myosin and collagen expression during pulmonary arterial hypertension

To gain insight on the impact of preventive exercise during pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), we evaluated the gene expression of myosins and gene-encoding proteins associated with the extracellular matrix remodeling of right hypertrophied ventricles. We used 32 male Wistar rats, separated in four groups: Sedentary Control (S, n = 8); Control with Training (T, n = 8); Sedentary with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (SPAH, n = 8); and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension with Training (TPAH, n = 8). All rats underwent a two-week adaptation period; T and TPAH group rats then proceeded to an eight-week training period on a treadmill. At the beginning of the 11th week, S and T groups received an intraperitoneal injection of saline, and SPAH and TPAH groups received an injection of monocrotaline (60 mg/kg). Rats in the T and TPAH groups then continued with the training protocol until the 13th week. We assessed exercise capacity, echocardiography analysis, Fulton's index, cross-sectional areas of cardiomyocytes, collagen content and types, and fractal dimension (FD). Transcript abundance of myosins and extracellular matrix genes were estimated through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). When compared to the SPAH group, the TPAH group showed increases in functional capacity and pulmonary artery acceleration time/pulmonary ejection time ratio and decreases in Fulton's index and cross-sectional areas of myocyte cells. However, preventive exercise did not induce alterations in col1a1 and myh7 gene expression. Our findings demonstrate that preventive exercise improved functional capacity, reduced cardiac hypertrophy, and attenuated PH development without interfering in mRNA-encoding myosin and collagen expression during PAH.

Evaluation and management of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension - consensus statement from the ISHLT

ISHLT members have recognized the importance of a consensus statement on the evaluation and management of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. The creation of this document required multiple steps, including the engagement of the ISHLT councils, approval by the Standards and Guidelines Committee, identification and selection of experts in the field, and the development of 6 working groups. Each working group provided a separate section based on an extensive literature search. These sections were then coalesced into a single document that was circulated to all members of the working groups. Key points were summarized at the end of each section. Due to the limited number of comparative trials in this field, the document was written as a literature review with expert opinion rather than based on level of evidence.

Efficacy and safety of a 12-week outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program in Post-PE Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The Post-Pulmonary Embolism Syndrome (PPES) comprises heterogeneous entities, including chronic thromboembolic disease with/without pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH/CTEPD), and deconditioning.

OBJECTIVES

To assess underlying physiological determinants of PPES, and efficacy and safety of rehabilitation training in these patients.

METHODS

56 consecutive PE patients with persistent dyspnea and/or functional limitations despite ≥3 months of anticoagulation underwent standardized diagnostic work-up including exercise testing as part of routine practice. All diagnostic (imaging and cardiopulmonary function) tests were interpreted by a core group of experienced clinicians. A subgroup of patients without CTEPH or other treatable conditions was referred for a 12-week personalized rehabilitation program, studying changes in physical condition and patient-reported outcome measures.

RESULTS

Persistent vascular occlusions were observed in 21/56 patients (38%) and CTEPH was confirmed in ten (18%). Regarding those without CTEPH, impaired cardiopulmonary responses were evident in 18/39 patients with available CPET data (46%), unrelated to chronic thrombi. Rehabilitation was completed by 27 patients after excluding 29 (patients with CTEPH or treatable comorbidities, refusal, ineligibility, or training elsewhere). Training intensity, PE-specific quality of life (PEmb-QoL) and fatigue (CIS) improved with a median difference of 20 W (p = 0.001), 3.9 points (p < 0.001) and 16 points (p = 0.003), respectively. Functional status (Post-VTE Functional Status Scale) improved ≥1 grade in 18 (67%) patients, and declined in one (3.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that abnormal cardiopulmonary responses to exercise are common in patients with PPES and are not limited to those with chronic thrombi. Offering pulmonary rehabilitation to patients not treated otherwise seems safe and promising.

Outcome Measures Used in Studies of Rehabilitation in Pulmonary Hypertension

Rationale: The evidence base for rehabilitation in pulmonary hypertension is expanding, but adoption in clinical practice is limited.Objectives: The World Health Organization International Classification for Functioning, Disability and Health identifies three health domains: Body Functions/Structures, Activity and Participation in society. To ensure that the wider impact of rehabilitation in pulmonary hypertension is accurately assessed, it is important that study endpoints reflect all three domains.Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies of rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary hypertension from 2006 to 2019.Results: Searches across five databases yielded 2,564 articles, of which 34 met eligibility criteria; 50 different outcome measures (mean = 5, minimum = 1, maximum = 9) were identified. When mapped onto the World Health Organization International Classification for Functioning, Disability and Health, 48% of instances of outcome usage were measures of Body Functions/Structure, 33% were measures of Activity, and 18% were measures of Participation. Measures of Participation were not included in seven studies (21%).Conclusions: Studies of rehabilitation in pulmonary hypertension have focused primarily on measures of Body Functions/Structure; the impact in other health domains is not well characterized. Greater inclusion of outcome measures reflecting Activity and Participation in society is needed to allow assessment of the wider impact of rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Comparing the reporting and conduct quality of exercise and pharmacological randomised controlled trials: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the quality of exercise randomised controlled trial (RCT) reporting and conduct in clinical populations (ie, adults with or at risk of chronic conditions) and compare with matched pharmacological RCTs.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

Embase (Elsevier), PubMed (NLM) and CINAHL (EBSCO).

STUDY SELECTION

RCTs of exercise in clinical populations with matching pharmacological RCTs published in leading clinical, medical and specialist journals with impact factors ≥15.

REVIEW METHODS

Overall RCT quality was evaluated by two independent reviewers using three research reporting guidelines (ie, Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT; pharmacological RCTs)/CONSORT for non-pharmacological treatments; exercise RCTs), CONSORT-Harms, Template for Intervention Description and Replication) and two risk of bias assessment (research conduct) tools (ie, Cochrane Risk of Bias, Jadad Scale). We compared research reporting and conduct quality within exercise RCTs with matched pharmacological RCTs, and examined factors associated with quality in exercise and pharmacological RCTs, separately.

FINDINGS

Forty-eight exercise RCTs (11 658 patients; median sample n=138) and 48 matched pharmacological RCTs were evaluated (18 501 patients; median sample n=160). RCTs were conducted primarily in cardiovascular medicine (43%) or oncology (31%). Overall quality score (composite of all research reporting and conduct quality scores; primary endpoint) for exercise RCTs was 58% (median score 46 of 80; IQR: 39-51) compared with 77% (53 of 68; IQR: 47-58) in the matched pharmacological RCTs (p≤0.001). Individual quality scores for trial reporting and conduct were lower in exercise RCTs compared with matched pharmacological RCTs (p≤0.03). Factors associated with higher overall quality scores for exercise RCTs were journal impact factor (≥25), sample size (≥152) and publication year (≥2013).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Research reporting and conduct quality within exercise RCTs is inferior to matched pharmacological RCTs. Suboptimal RCT reporting and conduct impact the fidelity, interpretation, and reproducibility of exercise trials and, ultimately, implementation of exercise in clinical populations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42018095033.

The Role of Exercise Testing in Pulmonary Vascular Disease: Diagnosis and Management

Exercise intolerance is the dominant symptom of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The gold standard for the estimation of exercise capacity is a cycle ergometer incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). The main clinical variables generated by a CPET are peak oxygen uptake (Vo2peak), ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide (VE/Vco₂), systolic blood pressure, oxygen (O2) pulse, and chronotropic responses. PH is associated with hyperventilation at rest and at exercise, and an increase in physiologic dead space. Maximal cardiac output depends on right ventricular function and critically determines a PH patient's exercise capacity. Dynamic arterial O2 desaturation can also depress the Vo2peak.

Standardized exercise training is feasible, safe, and effective in pulmonary arterial and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: results from a large European multicentre randomized controlled trial

AIMS

This prospective, randomized, controlled, multicentre study aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of exercise training in patients with pulmonary arterial (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

METHODS AND RESULTS

For the first time a specialized PAH/CTEPH rehabilitation programme was implemented in 11 centres across 10 European countries. Out of 129 enrolled patients, 116 patients (58 vs. 58 randomized into a training or usual care control group) on disease-targeted medication completed the study [85 female; mean age 53.6 ± 12.5 years; mean pulmonary arterial pressure 46.6 ± 15.1 mmHg; World Health Organization (WHO) functional class II 53%, III 46%; PAH n = 98; CTEPH n = 18]. Patients of the training group performed a standardized in-hospital rehabilitation with mean duration of 25 days [95% confidence interval (CI) 17-33 days], which was continued at home. The primary endpoint, change of 6-min walking distance, significantly improved by 34.1 ± 8.3 m in the training compared with the control group (95% CI, 18-51 m; P < 0.0001). Exercise training was feasible, safe, and well-tolerated. Secondary endpoints showed improvements in quality of life (short-form health survey 36 mental health 7.3 ± 2.5, P = 0.004), WHO-functional class (training vs. control: improvement 9:1, worsening 4:3; χ2P = 0.027) and peak oxygen consumption (0.9 ± 0.5 mL/min/kg, P = 0.048) compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

This is the first multicentre and so far the largest randomized, controlled study on feasibility, safety, and efficacy of exercise training as add-on to medical therapy in PAH and CTEPH. Within this study, a standardized specialized training programme with in-hospital start was successfully established in 10 European countries.

Exercise intolerance in pulmonary arterial hypertension: insight into central and peripheral pathophysiological mechanisms

Exercise intolerance is a cardinal symptom of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and strongly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). Although central cardiopulmonary impairments limit peak oxygen consumption (V' O2peak ) in patients with PAH, several peripheral abnormalities have been described over the recent decade as key determinants in exercise intolerance, including impaired skeletal muscle (SKM) morphology, convective O2 transport, capillarity and metabolism indicating that peripheral abnormalities play a greater role in limiting exercise capacity than previously thought. More recently, cerebrovascular alterations potentially contributing to exercise intolerance in patients with PAH were also documented. Currently, only cardiopulmonary rehabilitation has been shown to efficiently improve the peripheral components of exercise intolerance in patients with PAH. However, more extensive studies are needed to identify targeted interventions that would ultimately improve patients' exercise tolerance and QoL. The present review offers a broad and comprehensive analysis of the present literature about the complex mechanisms and their interactions limiting exercise in patients and suggests several gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed in the future for a better understanding of exercise intolerance in patients with PAH.