The reduction of exercise capacity because of fatigue and dyspnea in patients with heart failure can be improved with exercise training. We sought to examine the mechanisms of exercise training as an adjunctive treatment strategy for patients with heart failure.

We reviewed the published data on the possible mechanisms of effect of exercise training in heart failure.

Symptoms of heart failure may be explained on the basis of abnormal skeletal muscle perfusion and structure and endothelial function. Exercise training has been shown to engender changes in muscle structure and biochemistry and vascular function, although effects on cardiac function have not been detected uniformly and may require longer training periods.

A suitable, long-term program of exercise training may reverse unfavorable interactions among the heart, vessels, and skeletal muscles. These improvements may be preserved with an ongoing maintenance program.