Identification of prognostic variables from the cardiopulmonary exercise test to stratify Heart Failure severity

Abstract

Heart Failure (HF) patients have shown mark intolerance towards exercise, which is related to the severity of the disease. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to perform tests of maximum exercise, since they can measure and identify possible cutoff points to stratify HF gravity. Aim: To analyze all the variables derived from the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), but prioritize Oxygen uptake (VO2)/ workload (WR), ventilation intercept (VEint), Circulatory Power (CP) and Ventilatory Power (VP); to evaluate the behavior of these variables in the different classifications of HF, and draw prognosis and mortality cut points in these patients, if proven feasible; secondarily, evaluate the impact of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease coexistence on HF in these variables. Methods: This is a multicenter study, in which the patients already gathered in the sampling process in the thematic project will be analyzed and shared. Being this BEPE scholarship approved, a database will be gathered with the patients already gathered in the sampling process from Brazil and Italy, and also the patients to be evaluated during the stay in Italy.HF patients with an ejection fraction of <49% were and will be considered. All patients will perform CPET on an electronically braked cycle ergometer and respiratory gas analysis will be measured breath-by-breath. During CPET, the following parameters were and will be measured: VO2 (ml/kg/min), Ventilation (VE), VCO2 (ml/min), VE/VCO2 slope, WR (watts), Heart rate peak (bpm), SBP and DBP. New risk and prognosis indexes in the population that will be further analyzed: VEint, VO2/WR, CP and VP. (AU)