Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) Disease

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is increasing at an alarming rate as the most common form of cardiovascular disease. One cause for this increasing trend is attributable to advances in medical management of coronary heart disease and a ageing population. Patients with CHF present with signs of fatigue and shortness of breath (SOB) during, depending on the severity of the disease, activity and/or rest. The decreased exercise tolerance presented by CHF patients has been attributed to cardiac limitations (reduced left ventricular function) as well as a decrease in peripheral muscle endurance and strength. Reduced peripheral muscle strength and endurance is explained to be caused by decreased muscle perfusion and changes in skeletal muscle morphology and oxidation characteristics (Volaklis 2005).

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