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Left Ventricle Dysfunction Diminishes Exercise Capacity

By Daniel H. Rasolt

Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2009

(Defeat Diabetes® News) -- People with abnormal function in the left ventricle of their hearts appear to be extremely limited in their exercise capacity, according to a recent study. This result indicatest that new treatments for this common heart problem should result, due to the currently common prescription of more exercise to improve heart conditions.

The ailment analyzed is referred to as "abnormal diastolic function," characterized by observed an inability of the heart to "relax", in this case localized within the left ventricle of the heart. The heart consists of four "chambers." The left and right ventricles make up the bottom two chambers of the heart, and the left and right atria, the upper. The heart also has four main valves that pump blood in and out of the heart to the rest of the body (triscupid, pulminary, mitral and aortic valves). The left ventricle was found to be clearly associated with diminished exercise capacity.

Exercise is known to be an essential tool in the prevention and maintenance of numerous ailments, such as diabetes, obesity, kidney disease and heart disease, and is of course important in maintaining general health. Unfortunately, many conditions that most benefit from increased exercise levels, also limit the capacity to which individuals are able to exercise. Examples include neuropathy, which limits movements and pain thresholds in diabetics, and obesity making intensive exercise activities, such as running, impractical. The current study has revealed that abnormal diastolic function associated with the left ventricle fits into a similar debilitating category.

2,867 patients participated in the study, which utilized "exercise echocardiography," an ultrasound method that views heart function during exertion. Abnormal diastolic function in the left ventricle translated to a "substantially lower exercise capacity," than similar problem in other parts of the heart, or in those individuals with normal diastolic function.

This observation indicates that individuals with left ventricle diastolic problems must have alternate treatments and preventions for their condition. This is the goal of the researchers, because it is critical that these patients be able to exercise in order to live a healthy life. "In identifying diastolic function parameters as strong correlates of exercise capacity, we have identified potentially modifiable and preventable factors in the development of exercise intolerance. It is well known that exercise training improves diastolic function in healthy individuals," conclude the authors.

Source: Defeat Diabetes Foundation: Klein, Traci. JAMA news release. January 2009.

Daniel H. Rasolt writes for Defeat Diabetes® News. Read more of his original content articles.

Copyright © 2009 Defeat Diabetes Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.