Effects of Exercise Training on Fluid Instability in Heart Failure Patients

Heart Failure (HF) is a significant healthcare concern in the US, with a 120% rise in mortality rates over 15 years costing the country an estimated $37.2 billion in 2009. Veterans are currently impacted at a rate of 5.2%, and cost an average of $14,959/individual/year for those utilizing the VA's Healthcare services. Research has shown that exercise training (ET) improves aerobic capacity, endothelial dysfunction, quality of life, and the ability to tolerate activity within the overall HF population. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of structured exercise training and specific types of exercise training, walking, bicycling, and resistance training, on the symptom of fluid volume over load or edema in advanced heart failure patients.