Exercise in Heart Failure: A Synthesis of Current Research

Nonpharmacologic options for the management of heart failure

Despite recent advances in treating symptoms and thwarting disease progression, heart failure remains the only cardiovascular disease that continues to rise in both incidence and prevalence. Even with recent advances in pharmacologic therapy, the 1- to 2-year mortality rate is approximately 35% to 50% for advanced heart failure, and the 4- to 5-year mortality rate ranges from 15% to 40% for those with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction, or only mild to moderate symptoms. A variety of nonpharmacologic approaches compliment drug therapy of heart failure, and many have been shown to improve patient quality of life and functional capacity, while reducing morbidity and mortality.