Results from a recent study conducted at the University of Michigan and Stanford show that patients who participated in a moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise program showed a small, but statistically significant increase (6%) in exercise capacity over those who did not participate in the program.  Of note, no adverse events were reported in any of the 136 adults who participated in the RESET-HCM study over its four-month duration. These results were announced over the weekend at the American College of Cardiology meeting in Washington, D.C.

A companion editorial noted that this study is important for establishing the positive impact of exercise on HCM patients. Now, the need is for future research to establish safe exercise guidelines for HCM patients.  Many remain reluctant to exercise due to fear of suffering an adverse event during exercise.

Here is a video interview with one of the authors of the study, Dr. Sara Saberi, discussing the findings at ACC.

Stay tuned to HCMBeat for more about this important work which will hopefully lead to improved quality of life for HCM patients.