The Long-Term Prognostic Significance of 6-Minute Walk Test Distance in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure. (27th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ingle, Lee; Cleland, John G.; Clark, Andrew L.
• Other Names: Gotzmann Michael Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: BioMed research international. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-03-27
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/505969
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-6133

Abstract

Abstract : Background . The 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) is used to assess patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The prognostic significance of the 6-MWT distance during long-term followup (>5 years) is unclear. Methods . 1, 667 patients (median [inter-quartile range, IQR]) (age 72 [65–77]; 75% males) with heart failure due to left ventricular systolic impairment undertook a 6-MWT as part of their baseline assessment and were followed up for 5 years. Results . At 5 years' followup, those patients who died ( n = 959) were older at baseline and had a higher log NT pro-BNP than those who survived to 5 years ( n = 708). 6-MWT distance was lower in those who died [163 (153) m versus 269 (160) m; P < 0.0001]. Median 6-MWT distance was 300 (150–376) m, and quartile ranges were <46 m, 46–240 m, 241–360 m, and >360 m. 6-MWT distance was a predictor of all-cause mortality (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.96-0.97; Chi-square = 184.1; P < 0.0001). Independent predictors of all-cause mortality were decreasing 6-MWT distance, increasing age, increasing NYHA classification, increasing log NT pro-BNP, decreasing diastolic blood pressure, decreasing sodium, and increasing urea. Conclusion . The 6-MWT is an important independent predictor of all-cause mortality following long-term followup in patients with CHF.