An Investigation of the Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Serum Brain Natriuretic Peptide and C-Reactive Protein in women with Cardiovascular Diseases

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in women with cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: In this semi experimental study, thirty female patients with at least one coronary artery stenosis (more than70%) were chosen and divided into two groups of aerobic training (n=15) and control (n=15). Blood samples were obtained at the beginning and end of the study to measure brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. The aerobic group cycled on a stationary ergometer for three sessions per week (period of eight weeks). The control group did not receive any exercise. Each exercise session included a10-minute warm-up, a 15-minute or more aerobic training program and a 5-minute cool-down. In the warm-up and cool-down stages, running, walking and stretching activities were used. During the first week of training, subjects exercised for 15 minutes at 55-60% of their target heart rates. Each week, exercise duration extended by five minutes, while the intensity was unchanged. Results: Results indicated that 8 weeks of aerobic training had a significant effect on decreasing the BNP and CRP levels in females with Cardiovascular Diseases (P=0.005 and P=0.017 , respectively). Moreover, a significant Difference was seen between the control and experimental groups in mean BNP and CRP values (P=0.0001 and P=0.001 respectively), while no significant difference were seen between the pre and post tests in the Control group for BNP (P=0.21) and CRP (P= 0.28). There were significant reduction in BNP (p < 0. 05) and CRP levels (p < 0.01) after 8 weeks aerobic exercise in experimental group, But no change was seen in the control group in both BNP and CRP levels. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise can attenuate BNP and CRP levels in females with cardiovascular diseases; hence it can be used as a part of treatment.