Effects of exercise training on vascular markers of disease progression in patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysms

Currently, no medical therapy is effective in limiting progression of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA; ≤ 5.5 cm). Previously, we have demonstrated safety and efficacy of exercise training in patients with AAA. However, the impact of exercise training on vascular markers of AAA progression, such as lipid accumulation product (lipid accumulation product) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9, linked to destruction of aortic matrix) is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of exercise training on AAA diameter, lipid accumulation product, MMP-9 and other risk markers of vascular disease.