Relation between left ventricular shape and exercise capacity in patients with left ventricular dysfunction

AbstractObjectives. The aim of this study was to identify dynamic predictors of exercise duration in patients with systolic left ventricular dysfunction and to test the hypothesis that left ventricular shape is an independent determinant of exercise duration in these patients.Background. Measurements of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction at rest do not predict exercise capacity in patients with systolic left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular shape at rest has been reported to be an independent determinant of exercise duration in these patients. The significance of alterations in left ventricular shape that occur during dynamic exercise has not been investigated.Methods. Twenty-one patients with a documented ejection fraction