We have previously shown that exercise performed at a young age is associated with better cardiac function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) ([https://iemr.no/more-evidence-for-exercise-at-young-age-in-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy/]). To learn more about the underlying mechanisms, we used a mouse model of HCM. The mice were randomized to high-intensity interval training on a treadmill or sedentary behavior. Exercise was initiated before the mice developed manifest HCM. Exercised mice had increased exercise capacity, smaller left atria, no increase in hypertrophy or reduction of function, and a similar degree of fibrosis. Interestingly, we observed reduction of central extracellular matrix genes, including collagens. The study supports our previous observations from patients and suggests that exercise initiated prior to disease development can have beneficial effects, although disease development cannot be prevented entirely.
American Journal of Physiology
https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00701.2022
