Evaluation of exercise capacity with cardiopulmonary exercise test and B-type natriuretic peptide in adults with congenital heart disease.

Abstract

The exercise capacity of patients with CHD is, in general, compromised, most strikingly in patients suffering from pulmonary hypertension and cyanosis. Serum BNP levels in these subjects are increased and correlate well with exercise capacity. BNP level is higher in patients with cyanotic CHDs.