Improved Endothelial Function and Reversal of Myocardial Perfusion Defects after Aerobic Physical Training in a Patient with Microvascular Myocardial Ischemia

Author(s)

Vieira Carvalho, Eduardo Elias ; Crescencio, Julio Cesar ; Elias, Jr., Jorge ; Alves Brito, Laura Beatriz ; Gallo, Jr., Lourenco ; Simoes, Marcus Vinicius ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Internal Med, Div Cardiol, Sch Med Ribeirao Preto, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION; v. 90, n. 1, p. 59-64, JAN 2011.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

The objective of this report is to document the effects of an aerobic training program on myocardial perfusion, and endothelial function abnormalities, and on the relief of angina in a patient with microvascular myocardial ischemia. A 53-year-old female patient exhibited precordial pain on effort and angiographically normal coronaries. Her symptoms had been present for 4 yrs despite pharmacologic treatment for the control of risk factors, with myocardial perfusion scintigraphy revealing an extensive reversible perfusion defect. She was submitted to aerobic training for 4 mos, obtaining significant improvement of the anginal symptoms. Additionally, after the aerobic training program, scintigraphy revealed the disappearance of the myocardial perfusion defect, with a marked improvement of endothelium-dependent vasodilatory response and an improved quality-of-life score. These results suggest that aerobic training can improve endothelial function, leading to a reduction of ischemia and an improved quality-of-life in patients with microvascular myocardial ischemia. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/04140-3 - Study of the correlation between the extent of myocardial sympathetic denervation and arrhythmic events in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy
• Grantee: Marcus Vinicius Simões
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants