Effects of Exercise Training on Diastolic Heart Function in Postmenopausal Women

Inclusion Criteria: * Physically inactive for 6 months prior to study entry; defined as sedentary and having an energy expenditure of less than 35 kcal(kgˉ¹)(dayˉ¹) * Postmenopausal and fits one of the following criteria: over 55 years old and no natural menses for at least 5 years; less than 55 years old and no natural menses for at least 2 years and a serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level greater than 40 mIU/ml; hysterectomy with documentation of bilateral oophorectomy; less than 55 years old with a hysterectomy but no documentation of bilateral oophorectomy and with an FSH level greater than 40 mIU/ml and estradiol level less than 25 pg/ml * If taking hormone replacement therapy, must have been on a stable dose for at least 6 months, and must maintain the same dosage of the same medication throughout the study * Body mass index between 25 and 40 kg/m² * Systolic blood pressure between 120 and 159 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure no greater than 99 mm Hg * Fasting plasma glucose level less than 126 mg/dl * Physically capable of exercise Exclusion Criteria: * Currently taking any antihypertensive medications * Current or history of significant cardiovascular diseases or disorders, including arrythmias; myocarditis; cardiomyopathy; congestive heart failure; stroke or transient ischemic cerebral attacks; peripheral vascular disease with intermittent claudication; acute, chronic, or recurrent thrombophlebitis; and Stage II or III hypertension * Current or history of total cholesterol level of at least 240 mg/dl with LDL-C level of at least 160 mg/dl or triglyceride levels of at least 300 mg/dl * Current or history of hematologic disorders, including anemias, bleeding disorders, chronic thrombotic disorders, or hypercoagulable states * Recent blood donation within the 6 weeks before study entry (participants also will be asked to refrain from blood donation during the study) * Weight loss of 20 or more kilograms within the year prior to study entry * Hospitalization for mental illness within 5 years of study entry or score of at least 10 on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CESD) * Plans to be out of the city for more than 4 weeks over the next 6 months * Other significant medical conditions, including the following: chronic or recurrent respiratory, gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, neurological, or psychiatric conditions; musculoskeletal problems interfering with exercise; autoimmune or collagen vascular diseases; immunodeficiency diseases or a positive HIV test; malignancies within 5 years of study entry, with the exception of skin cancer that is therapeutically controlled; endocrine and metabolic disorders; or any other medical condition or disease that is life-threatening or that may interfere with or be aggravated by exercise