Effects of an Exercise Program in Women Over 60 yr. With HFpEF and Sarcopenia on Functional Capacity and Quality of Life

This prospective study will randomize (1:1) women with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and sarcopenia to receive standard management alone or a combined 12-week supervised exercise program (combining aerobic and strength exercise) carried out in a single centre. After randomization, patients will be clinically evaluated. The primary endpoint (peakVO2) will be assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) at 12 weeks. Women over 60 with HFpEF, functional class NYHA class II-III, and sarcopenia criteria will be enrolled. A sample size estimation \[alfa: 0.05, power: 80%, a 20% loss rate, and at least a delta change of mean peakVO2: +1.9 mL/kg/min (SD±2)\] of 40 patients (20 per arm) would be necessary to test our hypothesis.