Decreased aerobic capacity 4years after aortic valve replacement in male patients operated upon for chronic aortic regurgitation

Abstract

Exercise testing is underutilized in patients with valve disease. We have previously found a low physical work capacity in patients with aortic regurgitation 6months after aortic valve replacement (AVR). The aim of this study was to evaluate aerobic capacity in patients 4years after AVR, to study how their peak oxygen uptake (peakVO 2) had changed postoperatively over a longer period of time. Twenty-one patients (all men, 52±13years) who had previously undergone cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) pre- and 6months postoperatively underwent maximal exercise testing 49±15months postoperatively using an electrically braked bicycle ergometer. Breathing gases were analysed and the patients' physical fitness levels categorized according to Åstrand's and Wasserman's classifications. Mean peakVO 2 was 22·8±5·1ml×kg -1×min -1 at the 49-month follow-up, which was lower than at the 6-month follow-up (25·6±5·8ml×kg -1×min -1, P=0·001). All but one patient presented with a physical fitness level below average using Åstrand's classification, while 13 patients had a low physical capacity according to Wasserman's classification. A significant decrease in peakVO 2 was observed from six to 49months postoperatively, and the decrease was larger than expected from the increased age of the patients. CPET could be helpful in timing aortic valve surgery and for the evaluation of need of physical activity as part of a rehabilitation programme. © 2011 Scandinavian Society of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine.