Background

Heart failure is an increasing chronic disease in the western world due to an aging population and a changed lifestyle. The basic treatment is pharmacological with substantial lifestyle changes. Much is known about physical exercise in middle aged and younger patients but in the patients over the age of 65, little is known. Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physical exercise on patients aged over 65 with congestive heart failure. Method

A systematic review was undertaken in the databases Cinahl and PubMed. Seven articles were analysed from the systematic review. An unsystematic review in PubMed gave one article. Three articles from Cinahl and five from PubMed were analysed from their results of physical exercise in heart failure. Results

The study revealed three major themes and two subthemes. The themes were increased quality of life, a better heart work and increased physical capacity. The subthemes were increased fitness and increased muscle strength. The quality of life improved significantly in the study. The increased physical capacity included the subthemes improved endurance and increased muscle strength. There are major opportunities for the elderly patient to improve the overall daily life according to the results of this study. Conclusion

The effects of physical exercises in elderly patients are good but more research has to be made to find the optimal training form for the weaker patient.