Exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure and obesity
Abstract
Aim. To assess exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and obesity depending on the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS).
Materials and methods. The study included patients with obesity and CHF (main group) and obese individuals without CHF (control group), stratified by the presence/absence of MS. Treadmill test parameters were evaluated (duration, maximal workload, VO₂, chronotropic index, heart rate increase, peak systolic blood pressure [SBP] and its increment), along with quality of life using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and the SF-36 survey.
Results. Patients with MS demonstrated significantly lower exercise tolerance: reduced treadmill duration, VO₂, chronotropic index, and heart rate increase, accompanied by a greater increment of SBP. According to MLHFQ, patients with MS reported worse physical and emotional functioning and a higher total score (indicating poorer quality of life). On SF-36, MS was associated with reduced physical functioning and general health.
Conclusion. The presence of MS in patients with CHF and obesity is associated with reduced exercise tolerance and impaired quality of life, underscoring the need for comprehensive cardiometabolic rehabilitation aimed at correcting metabolic disturbances and improving functional reserve.
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List of references
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