Cardiac pumping capability in patients with peripheral vascular disease.
BACKGROUND
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a condition characterized by atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremities, low functional capacity and low exercise tolerance. Less empirical data are available concerning the cardiovascular response to maximum exercise tests in patients with PVD. The purpose of this study was to examine cardiovascular variables in patients with peripheral vascular disease.


METHODS
Fifty patients (67 +/- 9 years) completed an incremental exercise test (2 min stages, 3.2 km h(-1), with increases of 2% every 2 min) to maximum claudication pain. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2) was assessed on a breath-by-breath basis by online expiratory gas analysis (CardiO2, Medical Graphics Co.). Blood pressure was recorded at peak exercise. Following a 30-min rest period, patients exercised at the highest level attained during the first test and cardiac output (QT) was measured using the exponential non-invasive rebreathing method. Cardiac power output peak (CPOpeak) in Watts (W), was then computed.


RESULTS
Mean +/- SD values were; 13.85 +/- 4.14 ml kg min(-1); maximal walk time 357 +/- 227 s; peak mean arterial pressure 127 +/- 15 mmHg; 9.8 +/- 2.39 (l min(-1)); CPO 2.86 +/- 0.87 W.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with peripheral vascular disease demonstrate attenuated levels of cardiovascular capacity. This group of patients should be given exercise therapy in order to improve cardiovascular status and ambulatory function.
Hodges
L D
LD
Research Centre for Health Studies, BCUC, Gorelands Lane, Buckinghamshire, UK. lhodge01@bcuc.ac.uk
Sandercock
G R H
GR
Das
S K
SK
Brodie
D A
DA
D000368:Aged; D002302:Cardiac Output / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*