Stretching Exercises Improve Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction Through Attenuation of Oxidative Stress in Chronic Heart Failure Patients With an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

摘要

PURPOSE: Endurance training improves oxidative stress and vascular endothelial dysfunction in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, patients with CHF and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) often avoid endurance training for fear of ICD shock. Recent studies have reported that stretching exercises enhance antioxidant activity and improve vascular responses. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effects of 4 weeks of stretching exercises on oxidative stress and vascular endothelial function in patients with CHF with an ICD or CRT-D.