QJM · 1992 · 16 citations · 0 references
Life SciencesCardiologyPhysiologyExercise PhysiologyExercise TestingMetabolic PhysiologyAerobic CapacityCardiac PhysiologyCardiopulmonary Exercise TestingCardiorespiratory FitnessHeart FailureMetabolic Responses To ExerciseExercise VentilationExercise Ventilatory ResponseHeart Failure PhysiologyHemodynamic Response To ExerciseMinute Ventilation ResponseRespiratory Gas ExchangeVentilatory LimitationVentilatory Mechanics
The cardiorespiratory responses to maximal treadmill exercise were compared in matched groups of patients with chronic renal anaemia or treated chronic heart failure, and in normal controls. Exercise capacity was similarly reduced in both patient groups compared to normal controls, the raised respiratory exchange ratio at peak exercise implying anaerobic metabolism due to limited oxygen delivery in heart failure and limited oxygen carrying capacity in anaemia. Minute ventilation (VE) was related linearly to minute CO2 production (VCO2) in all subjects (each r > 0.92) from all three groups. The slope of the VE/VCO2 relationship was normal in anaemia but steeper in heart failure, reflecting ventilation/perfusion mismatching in chronic heart failure.