The effect of interval training on the serum level of apelin 17 and improving vascular blood flow in patients with heart failure

Chronic hypertension causes structural and functional changes in the heart, ultimately leading to heart failure (HF), which further increases mortality. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a period of intermittent aerobic exercise on the serum level of apelin 17 and factors related to blood pressure in patients with HF.

In this semi-experimental study, 20 men with HF were selected based on the conditions of entering the study and were randomly divided into 2 exercise and control groups. The exercise program included interval aerobic training that were performed three sessions a week for eight weeks of training. Blood sample and physiological variables were measured fasting 48 hours before and after the intervention.

After eight weeks of training, there was a significant increase in the levels of Apelin 17 (P = 0.039), Ang I (P = 0.005) and FMD (P = 0.008) and a significant decrease in the levels of Ang II (P < 0.001) and SBP (P < 0.001) were observed, but no significant difference was observed in the values of ACE-2 (P = 0.234) and DBP (P = 0.363).

According to the results, it can be said that one of the adaptations of exercise that improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure in patients with HF is increasing the level of apelin-17 in these patients.