Exercise Training in HF — EECC MCQ

Correct answer: B — Exercise training is safe and recommended (Class I) for stable HF patients — cardiac rehabilitation improves exercise capacity, quality of life, and reduces HF hospitalisation without increasing adverse events

The HF-ACTION trial and multiple meta-analyses demonstrate that regular exercise training in stable HFrEF patients is safe and improves: (1) peak VO₂ (by 10-15%); (2) 6-minute walk distance; (3) quality of life (KCCQ scores); (4) HF hospitalisation rates (modest reduction). The ESC 2023 HF Guidelines recommend exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for all stable HF patients (Class I, LOE A). Recommended exercise: ≥150 min/week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (walking, cycling) combined with resistance training 2-3×/week. Exercise should be prescribed and supervised initially, then maintained independently. Contraindications to exercise include: decompensated HF, recent ACS, severe AS, uncontrolled arrhythmias. Both HFrEF and HFpEF benefit from exercise.

Reference: ESC (2023): HF Guidelines; HF-ACTION Trial