Maximal work performance test in middle-aged women: results from a population study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Maximal exercise testing is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health.
• Understanding age-related changes in exercise capacity and ECG responses in women is vital.
• Previous research suggests differences in cardiovascular disease presentation between sexes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate maximal exercise capacity and perceived exertion in middle-aged women across different age strata.
• To investigate age-related changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG parameters during maximal exercise.
• To compare the prevalence of ischemic ECG abnormalities in women to men.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 194 middle-aged women (ages 38-60) underwent maximal exercise testing.
• Participants were stratified into five age groups.
• Perceived exertion, maximal workload, heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG were recorded.

Main Results:

• Average maximal workload decreased significantly with age (113 W to 98 W).
• Maximum heart rate declined with age, but respiratory frequency and perceived exertion did not.
• Ischemic ECG abnormalities (Minnesota Code 4:1-3, 5:1-3) were found in 30% of women, similar to men, despite lower myocardial infarction rates.

Conclusions:

• Maximal exercise capacity diminishes with advancing age in women.
• The prevalence of ischemic ECG abnormalities during exercise in women warrants further investigation.
• Current interpretations of exercise-induced ECG changes in women may need re-evaluation.