Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2025

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
Published on: June 14, 2016
Determinants of Exercise Capacity in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Ji-Won Hwang1, Sang-Chol Lee2,3, Darae Kim2,4
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University School of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.
Insights
Exercise capacity in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is reduced by age, female sex, and elevated NT-proBNP and E/e
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Reduced exercise capacity is a key indicator of symptom severity and clinical outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
- Identifying factors influencing exercise capacity is crucial for managing HCM patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the clinical and laboratory factors associated with exercise capacity in patients with HCM and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.
Main Methods:
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was used to measure peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) in 294 HCM patients.
- Associations were analyzed with N-terminal pro-hormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), echocardiographic diastolic parameters (E/e' ratio), and myocardial fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).
Main Results:
- Peak VO2 was significantly reduced in association with older age, female sex, higher NT-proBNP levels, and increased E/e' ratio.
- Myocardial fibrosis, assessed by late gadolinium enhancement on CMR, did not show a significant association with peak VO2.
Conclusions:
- Age, female sex, elevated NT-proBNP, and E/e' ratio are significant predictors of reduced exercise capacity in HCM.
- Monitoring hemodynamic changes and filling pressures via echocardiography is recommended for improved outcomes in HCM patients.
Background:
Reduced exercise capacity reflects symptom severity and clinical outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The present study aimed to identify factors that may affect exercise capacity in patients with HCM.
Methods:
In 294 patients with HCM and preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, we compared peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise testing as a representative parameter of exercise tolerance with clinical and laboratory data, including N-terminal pro-hormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), diastolic parameters on echocardiography, and the grade of myocardial fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).
Results:
Median peak VO2, was 29.0 mL/kg/min (interquartile range [IQR], 25.0-34.0). Age (estimated β = -0.140, P < 0.001), female sex (β = -5.362, P < 0.001), NT-proBNP (β = -1.256, P < 0.001), and E/e' ratio on echocardiography (β = -0.209, P = 0.019) were significantly associated with exercise capacity. Peak VO2 was not associated with the amount of myocardial fibrosis on CMR (mean of late gadolinium enhancement 12.25 ± 9.67%LV).
Conclusion:
Decreased exercise capacity was associated with age, female sex, increased NT-proBNP level, and E/e' ratio on echocardiography. Hemodynamic changes and increased filling pressure on echocardiography should be monitored in this population for improved outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...

