Effects of aerobic exercise training on vascular endothelial functions in coronary artery disease

Introduction: Endothelial dysfunction is an early manifestation of coronary artery disease. Different methods have been defined for the healing of endothelial functions. The mostly forgotten and important one of these methods is the physical activity which includes aerobic exercise training. The heart, as a specialized form of vessel, has an endothelial system which is forming the composition of endocardium. Therefore, endothelial dysfunction may also leads to impairement of the diastolic functions of the heart. The beneficial effect of aerobic exercise on vascular endothelium may also improve the diastolic functions and exercise capacityAim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise training on vascular endothelial functionsMethods: Twenty patients (14 males and 6 females, mean age 56.1±4 years) with stable coronary artery disease were included to the study. Blood and urine samples were taken to calculate plasma homocystein and instant microalbuminuria levels, respectively. Doppler echocardiographic measurements and the amount of brachial flow mediated dilatation were achieved. Patients were trained for four weeks with moderate intensity treadmill exercise, regarding the 60% of peak oxygen uptake. All laboratory and echocardiographic examinations were repeated after the training protocol.Results: Four weeks of regular aerobic exercise training significantly improved flow mediated dilatation of patients with CAD (p=0,001). Transmitral peak velocities evaluated by pulsed wave Doppler, tissue Doppler velocities, flow mediated dilatation and laboratory results are summarized in table.Plasma Homocystein (?mol/l)20,1±1015,7±10,3*Microalbuminuria (mg/l)26,1±51,419,3±41,6*Flow Mediated Dilatation (%)10,4±5,815,6±7,3*E/A 0,84±0,28 0,95±0,41Conclusion: In conclusion, moderate intensity level of exercise improves endothelial functions and has some beneficial effects on diastolic functions in patients with CAD. Regular exercise is an important tool in the CAD treatment protocol and patients with CAD should be advised to include aerobic exercise training into their treatment