Doctors 'should treat leg muscles in heart patients'
Monday 31st October 2011
Physicians must treat the leg muscles of chronic heart failure patients as well as their cardiac problems, a new study has said.
Heart failure is known to cause breathlessness and fatigue - impacting on the mobility of patients.
University of Leeds research revealed that leg muscle dysfunction is related to the severity of symptoms in heart failure patients, suggesting that a failing heart may impact on the leg muscles themselves.
Researchers measured responses of the heart, lungs and leg muscles to a moderate exercise warm up. They used a near-infrared laser to measure the oxygenation of the leg muscles. It was found that the exercise increased the activity of skeletal muscle enzymes that control energy production.
However, in patients with more severe symptoms the adaptation was found to be significantly less, indicating that the heart failure condition had a negative impact on the normal function of the leg muscles.
Researcher Dr Harry Rossiter said: "Many chronic heart failure patients complain of leg fatigue during exercise and this can prevent them from being active. Our study shows that by warming up properly, patients can improve the oxygenation and performance of their leg muscles, which is beneficial in promoting exercise tolerance."
A warm up directs oxygen to the places that are going to need it, meaning the muscles are more prepared for the exercise.
If muscles do not utilise oxygen well, an uncomfortable burning sensation is created during exercise.
Authors say that the next stage of research will be to see whether training of skeletal muscles can improve overall long-term outcomes for patients with chronic heart failure.
"Our main message is that exercise is safe and beneficial in patients with heart failure. By warming up the leg muscles properly, the exercise can be more comfortable and sustained for longer - affording great benefits for these patients."
Written by James Puckle
Related articles
High blood pressure can be combated by ...
The risk of having a heart condition due to high blood pressure can be combated by pills that contain a variety of drugs. ...
Wednesday 16th May 2012
Stroke risk increased by irregular heartbeat in...
Strokes are among the biggest killers worldwide and new research has found that older women diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat...
Thursday 10th May 2012
Blood pressure drugs could help trauma victims
Blood pressure drugs could be the latest weapon to help trauma victims reduce the likelihood of getting severe post-traumatic...
Wednesday 2nd May 2012
Related Cardiac-Physiology Jobs
Interested in locum Cardiac Physiology jobs in Scotland?Mediplacements are currently seeking experienced Cardiac Physiologist...
Full infoExperienced Cardiac Physiologist required for locum work in Surrey.We are looking for a locum Cardiac Physiologist for a new job placement...
Full infoWe require and experienced Echocardiographer for an exciting new locum job based in the East London area.We are looking for a qualified...
Full info