EAMI-Exercise training in anterior myocardial infarction: An ongoing multicenter randomized study; Preliminary results on left ventricular function and remodeling

To determine the effects of a 6-month exercise training program on left ventricular (LV) function and remodeling, 49 consecutive patients (pts) with first Q anterior myocardial infarction (51±8 years), in I-II NYHA class, were studied 4 to 8 weeks after the acute episode and 6 months later by 2D- ECHO and upright bicycle ergometric test. At entry, pts were randomly allocated to physical training (T=25pts) or control (C=24pts). Global endocardial surface area (ESA), LV volumes and EF, extent of abnormal wall motion (%WMA), of regional dilatation (%REG DIL), and the shape distortion (DIST) index were analyzed. After 6 months, a significant increase in work capacity (4,589±1,417 to 5,379±1,485 KPM/min, p2: 68±12 to 77±18 in C, 71±12 to 74±18 in T; %REG DIL: 39±20 to 49±24 in C, 32±12 to 35±23 in T; DIST index: 0.16±0.07 to 0.21±0.09 in C, 0.2±0.07 to 0.22±0.1 in T). These variables did not change in pts with >40%EF. Thus, from these preliminary data, pts with