Forearm Reactive Hyperemic Blood Flow and Arm-Cranking Exercise Capacity in Healthy and Heart Failure Subjects

Abstract Background: The relationship between lower limbs maximal vasodilatory capacity and exercise capacity in congestive heart failure (CHF) and healthy subjects has been well-documented. However, the relationship between upper limbs maximal vasodilatory capacity and exercise is less well-established. Methods and Results: Twelve patients with CHF, 16 age-matched normal subjects, and 11 very fit individuals underwent an arm-cranking exercise test using maximal oxygen uptake (arm VO 2max ) and measurements of peak forearm reactive hyperemic blood flow. Despite similar forearm strength, arm VO 2max was significantly reduced in patients with CHF when compared to normal and very fit individuals (13.9 ± 2.9, 23.5 ± 4.8, and 36.4 ± 8.5 mL/kg/min, respectively, P P 2max (r =.75; P Conclusions: These results suggest a significant relationship between forearm vasodilatory capacity and arm-cranking VO 2max in CHF patients, sedentary, and very fit individuals.