Peter Scott Munk

High-intensity interval training may reduce in-stent restenosis following percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation A randomized controlled trial evaluating the relationship to endothelial function and inflammation.

BACKGROUND High-intensity interval training has been shown to be superior to moderate continuous exercise training in improving exercise capacity and endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate this training model on in-stent restenosis following percutaneous coronary intervention for stable or unstable angina. METHODS AND RESULTS We prospectively randomized 40 patients after percutaneous coronary intervention with implantation of a bare metal stent (n = 30) or drug eluting stent (n = 32) to a 6-month supervised high-intensity interval exercise training program (n = 20) or to a control group (n = 20). At six months, restenosis, measured as in-segment late luminal loss of the stented coronary area, was smaller in the training group 0.10 (0.52) mm compared to the control group 0.39 (0.38) mm (P = .01). Reduction of late luminal loss in the training group was consistent with both stent types. Peak oxygen uptake increased in the training and control group by 16.8% and 7.8%, respectively (P < .01). Flow-mediated dilation improved 5.2% (7.6) in the training group and decreased -0.1% (8.1) in the control group (P = .01). Levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein decreased by -0.4 (1.1) mg/L in the training group and increased by 0.1 (1.2) mg/L in the control group (P = .03 for trend). CONCLUSIONS Regular high-intensity interval exercise training was associated with a significant reduction in late luminal loss in the stented coronary segment. This effect was associated with increased aerobic capacity, improved endothelium function, and attenuated inflammation.

Exercise training and cardiac rehabilitation in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: a review of current literature focusing on safety, effects of exercise training, and the psychological impact of programme participation

Background: Indications for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have been widened considerably during the last decade due to the well-documented effect in the heart failure population. Exercise training (ET) has a 1 A recommendation in heart failure. However, data on safety and efficacy of ET in patients with ICDs is sparse. ICD shocks are associated with reduced quality of life and increased mortality. Whether ET may have a beneficial effect in heart failure patients with an ICD is not well documented. Methods: This review is based on a systematic search in the Pub Med database using the terms ‘exercise training’, ‘implantable cardioverter defibrillator’, and ‘cardiac rehabilitation’. Results: Nine studies were identified, comprising 1889 patients. The average duration of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) was 9.6 weeks. Ten ICD therapies (seven shocks) were reported in the 834 patients with ICD during ET. Between exercise sessions and during follow up 182 events were recorded including 166 shocks. Three studies (2 randomized) showed that the control group representing sedentary patients were more prone to ICD discharge than patients undergoing CR/ET. In all studies the ICD patients improved their aerobic fitness following ET. Few studies report data on the effect of ET on anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Based on the current literature, ET in patients with an ICD seems to be safe and is not associated with increased risk of shocks. ET improves aerobic capacity in ICD patients, while effects on anxiety, depression and quality of life are still under debate.

High-intensity interval exercise training improves heart rate variability in patients following percutaneous coronary intervention for angina pectoris

BACKGROUND Low time domain measures of heart rate variability (HRV) have been shown to predict outcome after myocardial infarction (MI). The predictive value of HRV, when measured in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) without MI is less clear. Further, little is known about the mechanisms of how autonomic imbalance affects outcome. METHODS AND DESIGN Forty patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation for angina pectoris were prospectively randomized to a six month supervised high-intensity interval training program (n=20) or to a control group (n=20). All patients underwent a 24-hour Holter monitoring to assess measures of HRV at baseline and at six months. RESULTS At baseline there were no significant differences between groups. In the training group all time domain indices and the frequency domain indices, total power and ultralow frequency of HRV, increased significantly during the training period. Mean heart rate decreased significantly. In the control group only the root mean square of differences between successive NN intervals (ln RMSSD) increased significantly. Changes in standard deviations of the average NN intervals (SDANN) and ln RMSSD were significantly correlated to changes in peak VO(2) (R=0.47 and 0.39; p<0.01 and p=0.03 respectively). HRV measures were not significantly correlated to endothelial function. CONCLUSIONS High-intensity exercise training over 6 months significantly improved time and frequency domain measures of HRV in patients following PCI with stent implantation. The effect on HRV was correlated to changes in peak VO(2), but not to changes in endothelial function.

High intensity interval training reduces systemic inflammation in post-PCI patients

Background: Increased plasma levels of inflammatory markers and markers of endothelial cell activation have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events. Exercise training may lower the risk for coronary heart disease by attenuating inflammation and improving endothelial function. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of regular high-intensity exercise training on a wide range of markers of inflammation and endothelial cell activation. Materials and methods: Consecutively, 40 patients were prospectively randomized to a 6 months supervised high-intensity interval training programme or to a control group following successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Blood samples of 36 patients with stable angina, drawn at baseline (before PCI) and at 6 months, were analysed. Late luminal loss was measured at 6 months using quantitative coronary angiography. Results: At 6 months, levels of the inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were reduced and levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 increased in the training group only. The decrease in IL-6 and C-reactive protein levels were significantly correlated with the decrease in luminal loss following PCI. In contrast to these anti-inflammatory effects, training had no effect on markers of platelet-mediated inflammation, and the effect of training on markers on endothelial cell activation were rather complex showing attenuating (von Willebrand factor) and enhancing (E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) effects. Conclusions: Regular exercise training in stable angina patients following PCI may attenuate some, but not all, inflammatory pathways, potentially contributing to the beneficial effects of exercise training on restenosis.

Aerobic interval training in patients with heart failure and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: a controlled study evaluating feasibility and effect:

Background Aerobic interval training (AIT) has been shown to be superior to moderate continuous exercise training in improving exercise capacity and endothelial function in patients with both coronary artery disease and heart failure (HF). The objective of this study was to evaluate this training modality in patients with HF and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) with regard to feasibility, safety, and effect. Methods We prospectively included 38 patients with an ICD: 26 patients participated in an AIT programme for 3 months, while 12 patients served as controls. At baseline and 12-week follow up, patients were assessed with a maximal ergospirometry stress test, echocardiography, endothelial function testing, and ICD interrogation. Results No exercise-related adverse events occurred during or soon after the training sessions. ICD interrogation revealed no sustained arrhythmias, antitachycardia pacing, or ICD discharge related to exercise sessions. The AIT programme led to a significant increase in peak oxygen uptake, cycle ergometer workload, and endothelial function compared to the control group. The training programme was safe and not associated with any adverse events or ICD-related complications. Conclusions An AIT programme is feasible and seems safe in a well-treated, stable ICD population. Further, AIT for 3 months results in significantly increased aerobic capacity and endothelial function in this population.

The effect of statin therapy on the progression of carotid artery stenosis in relation to stenosis severity

Objectives –  To examine the effect of early statin treatment on progression of arteriosclerosis in internal carotid arteries (ICA); to compare the progression of arteriosclerosis in ICA of patients treated with a statin to the progression seen in drug‐naïve patients.

Increased confidence to engage in physical exertion: older ICD recipients’ experiences of participating in an exercise training programme

Background: Research suggests that exercise training (ET) programmes may improve both physical and psychosocial functioning in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients. Most of this research has been conducted by means of quantitative methods. However, knowledge of older ICD recipients’ experiences of participating in such programmes is sparse. There is thus a need for more detailed qualitative data from the perspective of older patients. Aim: To describe older ICD recipients’ experiences of participating in an ET programme. Methods: A qualitative design with semistructured interviews involving 12 older ICD recipients who had participated in a 3-month ET programme. Mini-disc recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. Results: The analysis revealed two major themes: (1) ‘increased confidence to engage in physical exertion’; and (2) ‘increased satisfaction with life’. The first theme is illustrated by three subthemes: ‘perceived support from physiotherapists’, ‘perceiving the heart rate monitor as a motivation to exercise’, and ‘perceiving peers as motivators for enjoyment and making the effort to exercise’. The second theme was illustrated by the following subthemes: ‘perceived psychosocial benefits’, ‘perceived physical benefits’, and ‘exercise as a new health habit’. Conclusion: The findings indicate that exercising in a cardiac rehabilitation centre together with peers and supervised by skilled healthcare professionals may increase motivation to exert oneself, leading to emotional and physical benefits as well as a more social and active lifestyle for older ICD recipients.

Reversible fetal renal failure after maternal treatment with Candesartan: A case report

Despite data suggesting that angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) are associated with increased risk to the fetus, there has been an increasing exposure of ARBs in pregnancy. We report a case report regarding a woman, who accidentally was treated with Candesartan during the first 22 weeks of pregnancy. At 22 weeks of gestation the fetal kidneys were oedematous with very little amniotic fluid. The prognosis for the fetus was considered poor. Five weeks after discontinuation of Candesartan normal quantities of amnionic fluid and a visible fetal bladder was registered. After delivery at week 31, creatinine clearance, diuresis and urine examination of the neonate were within normal limits. Ultrasound examinations of the kidneys showed bilaterally marked calices, small cysts and parenchymal increased echogenety at 1 week with complete sonographic normalization at 6 weeks. However, experimental studies raise the question of potential long-term adverse effects, including renal dysfunction and arterial hypertension in adulthood.

Endothelial dysfunction predicts clinical restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Background. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease and may predict in-stent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. We evaluated if endothelial dysfunction could predict clinical and angiographic restenosis in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation for angina pectoris or acute coronary syndrome. Methods. One hundred patients were consecutively included after successful percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting for angiographic single vessel disease. All patients were evaluated with ultrasound detection of brachial artery reactivity at four weeks and with a symptom limited exercise stress test at six months and were followed for the occurrence of clinical or angiographic restenosis for 18 ± 6 months. Results. Twenty patients showed clinical signs of restenosis during 18 months follow-up and were referred to re-angiography. Patients with clinical restenosis had impaired flow mediated vasodilation compared to patients without clinical restenosis (5.8 ± 3.4 vs. 9.0 ± 4.8, p = 0.005). In multivariate analysis flow mediated vasodilation was the only independent predictor for the risk of clinical restenosis (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.11 to 17.8). Conclusions. Impaired flow mediated vasodilation four weeks after percutaneous coronary intervention independently predicts the risk of clinical restenosis. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00999323.

EFFECTS OF AEROBIC INTERVAL TRAINING ON MEASURES OF ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHAEMIC HEART FAILURE AND AN IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR: A PROSPECTIVE NON-RANDOMIZED TRIAL

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of aerobic interval training on quality of life and on symptoms of anxiety and depression among patients with ischaemic heart failure and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. DESIGN Prospective, non-randomized controlled study. SUBJECTS Patients with ischaemic heart failure and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, willing to undergo an aerobic interval training programme. A total of 31 patients were enrolled (19 were assigned to the aerobic interval training group and 12 to the control group). METHODS The aerobic interval training group performed a 12-week exercise training programme. All patients were evaluated with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline, after 12 weeks and at 2 years. RESULTS The aerobic interval training group showed significant improvements in several SF-36 subscores at 12 weeks. There was an unadjusted significant reduction in the HADS depression (HADS-D) score. At follow-up, results in the aero-bic interval training group moved towards baseline or remained stable, whereas in the control group HADS-D scores and some SF-36 subscores deteriorated. CONCLUSION Participation in a 12-week aerobic interval training programme resulted in significant improvements in several measures of quality of life and the unadjusted HADS-D score in patients with ischaemic heart failure with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. At follow-up there was significantly less sedentary activity in the aerobic interval training group, while psychometric measures were no longer significantly different from baseline.