Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

A Pacing-Controlled Procedure for the Assessment of Heart Rate-Dependent Diastolic Functions in Murine Heart Failure Models
Published on: July 21, 2023
Prognostic significance and measurement of exercise-derived hemodynamic variables in patients with heart failure
Chim C Lang1, Piergiuseppe Agostoni, Donna M Mancini
1Division of Medicine and Therapeutics, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
The peak VO2 is an important prognostic measurement in the evaluation of patients with heart failure and is used to monitor the progress of the condition, especially in selecting patients for cardiac transplantation. However, peak VO2 may be influenced by noncardiac factors such as age, sex, motivation, anemia, and muscle deconditioning. These confounding factors may diminish somewhat the prognostic power of peak VO2. Several groups have looked at exercise-derived variables beyond peak VO2 to assess whether a more direct assessment of cardiac function, using exercise-derived hemodynamic variables, may yield more precise prognostic information than standard cardiopulmonary-derived data. This article reviews the evidence that cardiac work related to exercise may enhance the prognostic value of peak VO2 in the evaluation of patients with heart failure and briefly discusses the available methods for measuring these parameters.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
