RV Myocardial Strain During Pre-Load Augmentation Is Associated With Exercise Capacity in Patients With Chronic HF

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between right ventricular (RV) function during pre-load augmentation and exercise tolerance. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2) is a strong predictor of mortality in chronic heart failure. Cardiac function during pre-load augmentation is an important part of the phenomenon in the evaluation of exercise capacity. We prospectively performed echocardiographic studies in 68 chronic heart failure patients with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (mean age 60 ± 12 years; 69% male). After resting evaluations, echocardiographic parameters were repeated during leg positive pressure (LPP). Exercise capacity was assessed by peak VO2 in all patients (left ventricular ejection fraction: 43 ± 15%). Patients with severely reduced exercise capacity (peak VO2