Exercise training improves peak oxygen consumption and hemodynamics in patients with pulmonary hypertension – A prospective, randomized, controlled trial

Aims: This prospective randomized controlled study investigates the effects of exercise training on peak VO 2 /kg, hemodynamics and further clinically relevant parameters in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients. Methods: Eighty-seven patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and inoperable chronic thromboembolic PH (54% female, 56±15years, 84% WHO functional class III/IV, 53% combination therapy) on stable disease-targeted medication were randomly assigned to a control and training group. Medication remained unchanged during the study period. Non-invasive assessments and right heart catheterization at rest and during exercise were performed at baseline and after 15 weeks. Primary endpoi…