Ambulatory monitoring of cerebrovascular responses to upright posture and walking in older adults with heart failure

BackgroundInsufficient cardiac output (Q) in individuals with heart failure (HF) limits daily functioning and reduces quality of life. While lower cerebral perfusion, secondary to limitations Q, has been observed during moderate-intensity efforts, HF may also be at risk for perfusion even low-intensity ambulatory activities.MethodsWe determined whether is associated an altered cerebrovascular response activities representative typical challenges living. In this study, we monitored central hemodynamics middle blood velocity (MCAv) tissue oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy) 10 (78±4 years; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 20-61%) 13 similar aged controls (79±8 LVEF 52-73%) three randomized transitions: 1) supine-to-standing; 2) sitting-to-slow-paced over-ground walking; 3) sitting-to-normal-paced walking.ResultsThroughout supine, sitting, standing, both walking conditions, had index (Qi) than (P<0.05), MCAv was across the range pressure (P=0.051) only (P=0.011). Individuals attenuated increase stroke volume Qi normal-paced compared (P<0.01).ConclusionThe indices from were HF; however, relationships between not different indicating no difference static autoregulation.