oa South African Journal of Sports Medicine - Exercise intolerance in patients with chronic heart failure : A review

Abstract

Exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure is a common but complex phenomenon. Traditionally it has been thought that central cardiorespiratory factors were the important limiting factors of exercise performance in patients with heart failure. However, more recent research suggests that peripheral abnormalities within the skeletal muscle might play a role in the exercise intolerance experienced by these patients. This review encompasses research examining the effects of heart failure on some of the organ systems and physiological response to exercise.