Chronotropic incompetence, echocardiographic abnormalities and exercise intolerance in renal transplant recipients

Background Chronotropic incompetence (CI) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and overall mortality. The prevalence and significance of CI in renal transplant patient has not been examined. Methods 38 non-heart failure renal transplant recipients were recruited for a transthoracic echocardiogram and treadmill stress test using the modified Bruce protocol. Results 15 patients (39.5 %) had CI (defined as failure to reach 85 % of the maximum age-predicted heart rate, or