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European Heart Journal 1999 20(16):1191-1200; doi:10.1053/euhj.1999.1523
Copyright © 1999 by the European Society of Cardiology.
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Heart failure-related myopathy. Clinical and pathophysiological insights

C. Opasicha,f1, N. Ambrosinoa, G. Felicettia, R. Aquilania, E. Pasinia, D. Bergittoa, A. Mazzaa, F. Cobellia and L. Tavazzia

a S. Maugeri Foundation, Institute of Care and Research, Cardiology Division, Pavia
S. Maugeri Foundation, Institute of Care and Research, Pulmonary Division, Gussago, (Brescia)
S. Maugeri Foundation, Insititue of Care and Research,Rehabilitation Division, Montescano, Pavia
S. Maugeri Foundation, Institute of Care and Research, Service of Nutritional Pathophysiology, Montescano, Pavia
S. Maugeri Foundation, Institute of Care and Research, Pathophysiology Laboratory, Gussago, (Brescia)
Maugeri Foundation, Institute of Care and Research, Heart Failure Unit, Montescano, Pavia
Cardiology Department, Policlinico S. Matteo, Institute of Care and Research, Pavia, Italy

revised December 23, 1998; accepted January 5, 1999 1999

Abstract

Aims To evaluate the relationship of skeletal and respiratory muscular dysfunction with the degree of clinical severity, cardiac impairment and exercise intolerance in patients with chronic heart failure.

Methods and Results Ninety-one patients (age 52·7±8 years) on standard therapy and in a stable clinical condition with normal nutritional status underwent evaluation of (1) clinical severity and metabolic status (NYHA class, weight, albuminaemia, natraemia, cortisol, insulin, neurohormones), (2) cardiac function (Echo, right heart catheterization), (3) exercise tolerance (peak VO2), (4) dynamic isokinetic forces of the quadriceps and hamstring (Cybex method), and respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures). Fifty patients had a peak VO2<14ml.kg–1.min–1(10·6±2) and 41 had values ≥14 (18·3±4). In the former group, leg and respiratory strength were significantly lower (extensors: 80±24 vs 100·9±22Nm; flexors: 48·5±24 vs 75·3±22, bothP <0·001; maximal expiratory pressure: 85·5±30 vs 104·8±31,P <0·01). Muscular strength was not related to indices of clinical severity, metabolic status, neurohormones or to the degree of systolic/diastolic cardiac function, but it was related to weight and age. Multivariate analysis of the peak VO2with clinical, haemodynamic and peripheral indicators showed weight (beta=0·32,P =0·007), muscular strength (beta=0·32,P =0·01) and NYHA class (beta=0·31,P =0·001) as the only independent predictors. The joint adjusted R2value was 0·48 (P<0·001).

Conclusion Muscular dysfunction is part of the syndrome of heart failure. Together with symptom perception, it predicts nearly half of the variation in exercise tolerance.

Key Words: Heart failure, skeletal muscles, respiratory muscles, exercise tolerance

f1 Correspondence: Cristina Opasich, Fondazione S. Maugeri, IRCCS, Divisione di Cardiologia, V. Ferrata 4-27100 Pavia, Italy.

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