Relationship between Functional Capacity and Medication Adherence in Heart Failure

Abstract

Introduction: this study investigated the relationship between the subjective new York heart Association (nYhA) class and objective exercise capacity (Vo2peak) in patients with heart failure and whether it is influenced by medication adherence. Methods: Data from 170 heart failure patients in the level-chf register were analysed, and adherence was assessed by serum drug level testing. objective exercise capacity was assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing using a bicycle ergometer. Results: objective Vo2peak frequently exceeded the subjective nYhA class with 46% concordance, especially at the extreme ends of the spectrum. Minor differences in subjective nYhA class in relation to medication adherence were noted, but no substantial disparity was observed. Conclusion: these findings highlight the discrepancies between subjective and objective assessments of functional capacity in patients with heart failure. this calls for a greater use of objective measurements in clinical decision-making based on functional capacity and for preference of direct Vo2peak values over subjective nYhA categories. Medication adherence did not significantly alter the subjective-objective nYhA trends.