Background-Exercise training reduces the symptoms of chronic heart failure. Which exercise intensity yields maximal beneficial adaptations is controversial. Furthermore, the incidence of chronic heart failure increases with advanced age; it has been reported that 88% and 49% of patients with a first diagnosis of chronic heart failure are Ͼ65 and Ͼ80 years old, respectively. Despite this, most previous studies have excluded patients with an age Ͼ70 years. Our objective was to compare training programs with moderate versus high exercise intensity with regard to variables associated with cardiovascular function and prognosis in patients with postinfarction heart failure. Methods and Results-Twenty-seven patients with stable postinfarction heart failure who were undergoing optimal medical treatment, including ␤-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (aged 75.5Ϯ11.1 years; left ventricular [LV] ejection fraction 29%; V O 2peak 13 mL · kg Ϫ1 · min

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The reference values for global and segmental longitudinal strain and SR obtained from this population study are applicable for use in a wide clinical setting.

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This study indicates that the blood pressure reducing effect of exercise in essential hypertension is intensity dependent. Aerobic interval training is an effective method to lower blood pressure and improve other cardiovascular risk factors.

Speckle tracking echocardiography provides accurate and angle-independent measurements of LV dimensions and strains and has potential to become a clinical bedside tool for quantifying myocardial strain.

We recruited 51 patients with symptomatic, ECG-documented, nonpermanent AF who were referred for first AF ablation or to the outpatient Background-Exercise training is an effective treatment for important atrial fibrillation (AF) comorbidities. However, a high level of endurance exercise is associated with an increased AF prevalence. We assessed the effects of aerobic interval training (AIT) on time in AF, AF symptoms, cardiovascular health, and quality of life in AF patients. Methods and Results-Fifty-one patients with nonpermanent AF were randomized to AIT (n=26) consisting of four 4-minute intervals at 85% to 95% of peak heart rate 3 times a week for 12 weeks or to a control group (n=25) continuing their regular exercise habits. An implanted loop recorder measured time in AF continuously from 4 weeks before to 4 weeks after the intervention period. Cardiac function, peak oxygen uptake (V ⋅ o 2 peak), lipid status, quality of life, and AF symptoms were evaluated before and after the 12-week intervention period. Mean time in AF increased from 10.4% to 14.6% in the control group and was reduced from 8.1% to 4.8% in the exercise group (P=0.001 between groups). AF symptom frequency (P=0.006) and AF symptom severity (P=0.009) were reduced after AIT. AIT improved V ⋅ o 2 peak, left atrial and ventricular ejection fraction, quality-of-life measures of general health and vitality, and lipid values compared with the control group. There was a trend toward fewer cardioversions and hospital admissions after AIT. Conclusions-AIT for 12 weeks reduces the time in AF in patients with nonpermanent AF. This is followed by a significant improvement in AF symptoms, V The online-only Data Supplement is available with this article at http://circ.ahajournals.org/lookup/suppl

AIT increased peak oxygen uptake more than the usual care rehabilitation provided to MI patients by Norwegian hospitals.