Podcast
Questions and Answers
What stimulates the release of angiotensin I?
What stimulates the release of angiotensin I?
Angiotensin II is a potent vasodilator.
Angiotensin II is a potent vasodilator.
False
What is the outcome of angiotensin II stimulating the release of aldosterone?
What is the outcome of angiotensin II stimulating the release of aldosterone?
Rise in blood pressure related to sodium and water retention
Untreated HT causes further __________ damage and atherosclerotic progression.
Untreated HT causes further __________ damage and atherosclerotic progression.
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Match the following co-morbidities of hypertension with their descriptions:
Match the following co-morbidities of hypertension with their descriptions:
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What is the effect of ageing on the aorta and elastic arteries?
What is the effect of ageing on the aorta and elastic arteries?
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The widening of the pulse pressure with ageing is a strong predictor of stroke.
The widening of the pulse pressure with ageing is a strong predictor of stroke.
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What is the result of increased pulse pressure in the early part of diastole?
What is the result of increased pulse pressure in the early part of diastole?
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The reflected waves move from early diastole to late __________ with ageing.
The reflected waves move from early diastole to late __________ with ageing.
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What is the consequence of increased left ventricular afterload?
What is the consequence of increased left ventricular afterload?
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What is a common symptom of a hypertensive crisis?
What is a common symptom of a hypertensive crisis?
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Most individuals with hypertension experience symptoms.
Most individuals with hypertension experience symptoms.
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What is the systolic blood pressure threshold for a hypertensive crisis?
What is the systolic blood pressure threshold for a hypertensive crisis?
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Individuals with ______________ hypertension do not require medical evaluation of exercise testing prior to beginning an exercise program.
Individuals with ______________ hypertension do not require medical evaluation of exercise testing prior to beginning an exercise program.
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Match the following symptoms with their corresponding conditions:
Match the following symptoms with their corresponding conditions:
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All individuals with hypertension require medical evaluation of exercise testing prior to beginning an exercise program.
All individuals with hypertension require medical evaluation of exercise testing prior to beginning an exercise program.
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What is measured during exercise testing?
What is measured during exercise testing?
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The treadmill test is typically performed at a rate of ______________ METs for 3 minutes.
The treadmill test is typically performed at a rate of ______________ METs for 3 minutes.
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What is the term for the presence of red blood cells in urine?
What is the term for the presence of red blood cells in urine?
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What is the term for nose bleeding?
What is the term for nose bleeding?
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What is the primary purpose of determining 1RM or MVC in exercise prescription?
What is the primary purpose of determining 1RM or MVC in exercise prescription?
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A sudden increase in exercise intensity is recommended in exercise prescription for hypertension.
A sudden increase in exercise intensity is recommended in exercise prescription for hypertension.
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What are the key considerations for exercise prescription in individuals with hypertension?
What are the key considerations for exercise prescription in individuals with hypertension?
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An exaggerated BP response to relatively low exercise intensities and at __________ levels is a special consideration in exercise prescription.
An exaggerated BP response to relatively low exercise intensities and at __________ levels is a special consideration in exercise prescription.
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Match the following factors with their impact on exercise prescription in hypertension:
Match the following factors with their impact on exercise prescription in hypertension:
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What should be monitored during exercise in individuals with hypertension?
What should be monitored during exercise in individuals with hypertension?
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Valsalva maneuver is recommended during exercise in individuals with hypertension.
Valsalva maneuver is recommended during exercise in individuals with hypertension.
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What is the recommended duration for increasing exercise duration in the initial phase of exercise prescription?
What is the recommended duration for increasing exercise duration in the initial phase of exercise prescription?
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During exercise, an exaggerated pressor response is characterized by a systolic BP of more than __________ mmHg or a diastolic BP of more than __________ mmHg.
During exercise, an exaggerated pressor response is characterized by a systolic BP of more than __________ mmHg or a diastolic BP of more than __________ mmHg.
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What is the recommended approach to progressing exercise in individuals with hypertension?
What is the recommended approach to progressing exercise in individuals with hypertension?
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What information should be included in the summary report regarding angina status?
What information should be included in the summary report regarding angina status?
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A peak SBP of >250 mmHg is a relative contraindication for exercise testing.
A peak SBP of >250 mmHg is a relative contraindication for exercise testing.
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What is the term used to describe the estimated functional capacity of an individual?
What is the term used to describe the estimated functional capacity of an individual?
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A failure of HR to decrease by at least __________ beats after 1 min, or __________ beats by 2 min is independently associated with increased risk for mortality over the next 3 to 5 years.
A failure of HR to decrease by at least __________ beats after 1 min, or __________ beats by 2 min is independently associated with increased risk for mortality over the next 3 to 5 years.
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What is the prognostic value of a poor HR response?
What is the prognostic value of a poor HR response?
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Match the following components with their descriptions in a summary report:
Match the following components with their descriptions in a summary report:
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A normal BP response is defined as an increase of 5 mmHg per 1 MET of work.
A normal BP response is defined as an increase of 5 mmHg per 1 MET of work.
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What is the significance of a peak SBP of >250 mmHg during exercise testing?
What is the significance of a peak SBP of >250 mmHg during exercise testing?
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The magnitude of the increase in BP during exercise approximates __________ mmHg per 1 MET of work.
The magnitude of the increase in BP during exercise approximates __________ mmHg per 1 MET of work.
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What is the innermost layer of the artery?
What is the innermost layer of the artery?
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Atherosclerosis is a disease process that results in blood flow limiting lesions in the epicardial coronary, carotid, iliac, and femoral arteries, and the aorta.
Atherosclerosis is a disease process that results in blood flow limiting lesions in the epicardial coronary, carotid, iliac, and femoral arteries, and the aorta.
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What are the factors that can cause chronic excessive injury to endothelial cells?
What are the factors that can cause chronic excessive injury to endothelial cells?
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The endothelium plays a critical role in regulating __________ and anti-thrombotic properties.
The endothelium plays a critical role in regulating __________ and anti-thrombotic properties.
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Match the following layers of the artery with their descriptions:
Match the following layers of the artery with their descriptions:
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What happens to slowly progressing plaques?
What happens to slowly progressing plaques?
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Selective coronary angiography is a sensitive test for detecting atherosclerotic lesions.
Selective coronary angiography is a sensitive test for detecting atherosclerotic lesions.
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Where do obstructive coronary lesions occur most frequently?
Where do obstructive coronary lesions occur most frequently?
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Local stressors or chemical factors within the lesion may cause the plaque to ____________________.
Local stressors or chemical factors within the lesion may cause the plaque to ____________________.
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Match the following characteristics of atherosclerotic lesions with their descriptions:
Match the following characteristics of atherosclerotic lesions with their descriptions:
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What is the primary purpose of graded exercise testing (GXT)?
What is the primary purpose of graded exercise testing (GXT)?
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All individuals with hypertension require medical evaluation of exercise testing prior to beginning an exercise program.
All individuals with hypertension require medical evaluation of exercise testing prior to beginning an exercise program.
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What are the common modes of graded exercise testing?
What are the common modes of graded exercise testing?
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Untreated hypertension can cause further __________ damage and atherosclerotic progression.
Untreated hypertension can cause further __________ damage and atherosclerotic progression.
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Match the following conditions with their corresponding risk factors:
Match the following conditions with their corresponding risk factors:
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What is a result of increased permeability to lipoproteins and other substances in the blood?
What is a result of increased permeability to lipoproteins and other substances in the blood?
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Monocytes accumulate LDL, altering the oxidation process and transform into macrophages.
Monocytes accumulate LDL, altering the oxidation process and transform into macrophages.
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What is the result of growth factors expressed by platelets, monocytes, and damaged endothelium?
What is the result of growth factors expressed by platelets, monocytes, and damaged endothelium?
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The earliest detectable lesion of atherosclerosis is characterized by the presence of _______________.
The earliest detectable lesion of atherosclerosis is characterized by the presence of _______________.
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Match the following components with their presence in a fibromuscular plaque:
Match the following components with their presence in a fibromuscular plaque:
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What is the most common cause of chronic mitral regurgitation?
What is the most common cause of chronic mitral regurgitation?
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Mitral valve stenosis blocks blood flow coming out of the LV.
Mitral valve stenosis blocks blood flow coming out of the LV.
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What is the result of untreated aortic valve regurgitation over time?
What is the result of untreated aortic valve regurgitation over time?
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Aortic valve stenosis restricts blood flow from the LV to the ______.
Aortic valve stenosis restricts blood flow from the LV to the ______.
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Match the following valve problems with their descriptions:
Match the following valve problems with their descriptions:
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Inflammation plays a significant role in many types of macrovascular calcification, including CAVD.
Inflammation plays a significant role in many types of macrovascular calcification, including CAVD.
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What is the main function of the heart valves?
What is the main function of the heart valves?
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Valve disorders can be congenital or acquired.
Valve disorders can be congenital or acquired.
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What is the term for the condition where the valves become too narrow and hardened, or are unable to close completely?
What is the term for the condition where the valves become too narrow and hardened, or are unable to close completely?
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The heart valves consist of an outer layer of ________________ cells, surrounding 3 layers of matrix.
The heart valves consist of an outer layer of ________________ cells, surrounding 3 layers of matrix.
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Match the following heart valves with their descriptions:
Match the following heart valves with their descriptions:
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Which of the following factors activates vascular biomineralization and vascular osteogenic signalling processes?
Which of the following factors activates vascular biomineralization and vascular osteogenic signalling processes?
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Exercise can improve the mechanical function of a valve.
Exercise can improve the mechanical function of a valve.
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What are the common symptoms of calcific aortic valve disease?
What are the common symptoms of calcific aortic valve disease?
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The primary clinical approach for valve repair or replacement is ____________________.
The primary clinical approach for valve repair or replacement is ____________________.
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Match the following effects of valvular heart disease on exercise response with their descriptions:
Match the following effects of valvular heart disease on exercise response with their descriptions:
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What is the recommended approach for patients with moderate-to-severe aortic stenosis?
What is the recommended approach for patients with moderate-to-severe aortic stenosis?
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What is the purpose of exercise testing in asymptomatic patients with valvular heart disease?
What is the purpose of exercise testing in asymptomatic patients with valvular heart disease?
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Regular exercise has been shown to slow the progression of valvular heart disease.
Regular exercise has been shown to slow the progression of valvular heart disease.
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What type of test is recommended for patients who are not amendable to treadmill testing?
What type of test is recommended for patients who are not amendable to treadmill testing?
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The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends using free weights and weight machines for resistance training in patients with PAD.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends using free weights and weight machines for resistance training in patients with PAD.
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What is the recommended intensity for resistance training in patients with PAD?
What is the recommended intensity for resistance training in patients with PAD?
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The average walking speed of a PAD patient is approximately __________ mph.
The average walking speed of a PAD patient is approximately __________ mph.
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Match the following types of exercises with their descriptions:
Match the following types of exercises with their descriptions:
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Valsalva maneuver is recommended during exercise in individuals with hypertension.
Valsalva maneuver is recommended during exercise in individuals with hypertension.
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What is the primary goal of aerobic exercise in patients with PAD?
What is the primary goal of aerobic exercise in patients with PAD?
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What is the recommended duration of aerobic exercise in patients with PAD?
What is the recommended duration of aerobic exercise in patients with PAD?
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All individuals with hypertension require medical evaluation of exercise testing prior to beginning an exercise program.
All individuals with hypertension require medical evaluation of exercise testing prior to beginning an exercise program.
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What is the success rate of PTCA (PCI) in patients with unstable angina?
What is the success rate of PTCA (PCI) in patients with unstable angina?
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CABG improves long-term survival.
CABG improves long-term survival.
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What is the primary benefit of stent therapy?
What is the primary benefit of stent therapy?
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The occlusion rate of CABG is approximately __________% after 5 years.
The occlusion rate of CABG is approximately __________% after 5 years.
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What is the primary finding of the study comparing CABG and PCI with drug-eluting stent?
What is the primary finding of the study comparing CABG and PCI with drug-eluting stent?
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Restenosis rates are higher with drug-eluting stents compared to metal stents.
Restenosis rates are higher with drug-eluting stents compared to metal stents.
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What is the risk of thrombosis and acute closures with stent therapy?
What is the risk of thrombosis and acute closures with stent therapy?
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The restenosis rate of metal stents is approximately __________%.
The restenosis rate of metal stents is approximately __________%.
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Match the following revascularization procedures with their characteristics:
Match the following revascularization procedures with their characteristics:
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PCI is safer than CABG in high-risk patients.
PCI is safer than CABG in high-risk patients.
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What is the final pathway for many cardiovascular disorders?
What is the final pathway for many cardiovascular disorders?
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The incidence of heart failure has decreased in Australia since 2002.
The incidence of heart failure has decreased in Australia since 2002.
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What is the estimated rate of heart failure in Indigenous Australians compared to non-Indigenous Australians?
What is the estimated rate of heart failure in Indigenous Australians compared to non-Indigenous Australians?
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Systolic heart failure is characterized by a reduced ______________ fraction.
Systolic heart failure is characterized by a reduced ______________ fraction.
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Match the following types of heart failure with their descriptions:
Match the following types of heart failure with their descriptions:
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Diastolic heart failure is characterized by a reduced ejection fraction.
Diastolic heart failure is characterized by a reduced ejection fraction.
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What is the result of heart failure?
What is the result of heart failure?
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Heart failure can be cured.
Heart failure can be cured.
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What are the common symptoms of severe heart failure?
What are the common symptoms of severe heart failure?
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Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the entire heart muscle, or a large part of it, is weakened due to ____________________.
Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the entire heart muscle, or a large part of it, is weakened due to ____________________.
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Match the following conditions with their descriptions:
Match the following conditions with their descriptions:
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What is the primary goal of treating heart failure?
What is the primary goal of treating heart failure?
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What percentage of end of diastole filling volume is ejected in HFrEF?
What percentage of end of diastole filling volume is ejected in HFrEF?
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Peak VO2 of 70% of predicted peak is associated with higher mortality rates.
Peak VO2 of 70% of predicted peak is associated with higher mortality rates.
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What is the definition of ventilatory efficiency?
What is the definition of ventilatory efficiency?
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Echocardiogram is used to measure ______________ contraction (ejection) and relaxation.
Echocardiogram is used to measure ______________ contraction (ejection) and relaxation.
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Match the following with their descriptions:
Match the following with their descriptions:
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What is the cut-off point for very high risk of mortality according to ventilatory efficiency?
What is the cut-off point for very high risk of mortality according to ventilatory efficiency?
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Prediction equations can accurately estimate functional capacity in patients with HF.
Prediction equations can accurately estimate functional capacity in patients with HF.
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What is the primary purpose of exercise testing in patients with HF?
What is the primary purpose of exercise testing in patients with HF?
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Study Notes
Hypertension
- Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because most patients do not have specific symptoms related to their high blood pressure.
- It is the most common, costly, and modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor.
- The lifetime risk of developing hypertension is 90%, and one in five people with elevated blood pressure will develop the condition within 4 years.
- Lifestyle factors play a large contribution to the management of hypertension.
Definition and Classification
- Classification is based on the average of two or more properly measured, seated blood pressure readings on each of two or more office visits.
- CVD doubles for every increment increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 20mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 10 mmHg above 115/75 mmHg.
- Other descriptive terms include:
- Secondary or inessential hypertension (HT with known cause)
- Isolated systolic hypertension (SBP of ≥140 mmHg and DBP <140 mmHg)
Pathophysiology
- Blood pressure (BP) is the force that blood exerts against a vessel wall.
- Flow is the amount of blood flowing through an organ, tissue, or blood vessel in a given time (i.e., ml/min).
- Perfusion is the flow per given volume of mass of tissue (ml.min.g).
- Hemodynamics is the study of the physical principles of blood flow and are based on pressure and resistance.
- The formula for blood flow is F ∝ ΔP/R.
Blood Pressure
- Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is the peak arterial blood pressure attained during ventricular contraction.
- Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is the minimum arterial blood pressure occurring during the ventricular relaxation between each cardiac cycle.
- Pulse pressure (PP) is the difference between SBP and DBP.
- Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is the mean pressure from several intervals throughout the cardiac cycle.
- High MAP increases the risk of atherosclerosis, kidney failure, and aneurysm.
Peripheral Resistance
- Peripheral resistance is the opposition to blood flow moving away from the heart.
- Moving blood would exert no pressure against a vessel wall unless it encountered at least some downstream resistance.
- Vasoactive substances, such as bradykinin, endothelin, and atrial natriuretic peptide, affect sodium transport and vascular tone.
Hypercoagulability
- Hypertension confers a prothrombotic or hypercoagulable state.
- Those with HT have endothelial dysfunction or damage, abnormal blood constituents, and blood flow changes.
Autonomic Nervous System
- Those with HT often have increased release of, and enhanced peripheral sensitivity to, norepinephrine.
- Increased responsiveness to stressful stimuli is another feature of arterial hypertension.
- This is linked to the renin-angiotensin system.
Pathophysiology – Secondary Hypertension
- Secondary hypertension is a small percentage of cases.
- Causes include:
- Renal (sodium and fluids in the kidneys leading to volume expansion or an alteration in renal secretion of vasoactive materials)
- Endocrine (abnormality of the adrenal glands)
Renin-Angiotensin System
- Renin is secreted from the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidney in response to glomerular under perfusion or a reduced salt intake.
- Renin converts renin substrate to angiotensin I, which is rapidly converted to angiotensin II in the lungs by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
- Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor and causes a rise in blood pressure.
Co-morbidities
- Untreated hypertension causes further endothelial damage and atherosclerotic progression, which further promotes atherosclerosis.
- Additional deleterious outcomes include:
- Hypertrophic dilated cardiomyopathy
- Compromised ventricular ejection and cardiac output
- Chronic heart failure
- Heart valve defects
- End-stage renal disease
- Myocardial infarction
- Stroke
- Aneurysm
Clinical Considerations – Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension
- Many individuals with hypertension do not experience symptoms
- Symptoms tend to appear during a hypertensive crisis (SBP >180mmHg or DBP >120mmHg)
- Common symptoms of hypertension include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Epistaxis (nose bleed)
- Hematuria (RBC in urine)
- Blurred vision
Exercise Testing and Prescription
- Individuals with controlled hypertension (115 mmHg) do not require medical evaluation before starting an exercise program
- During exercise testing, consider:
- Treadmill test (2-3METs/3min stage)
- Rate Pressure Product (RPP)
- Arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia
- Use of medications (vasodilators or β-blockers) and their timing relative to exercise
- Ventilatory expired gas responses
- Resistance exercise (free weights or machines) to determine 1RM or MVC
- Observe for physical signs and symptoms, abnormal BP or HR responses, and exaggerated pressor response
Role of Exercise Prescription
- Progress gradually, avoiding large increases in FITT components (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type)
- Increase exercise duration over the first 4-6 weeks, and then increase frequency, intensity, and time to achieve recommended quantity and quality of exercise over 18-24 months
Considerations for Exercise Prescription
- Level of BP control
- Recent changes in antihypertensive medications
- Medication-related adverse effects
- Presence of target organ disease and other comorbidities
- Age
Special Considerations
- An exaggerated BP response to relatively low exercise intensities and at HR levels is a concern for individuals with hypertension
Graded Exercise Testing (GXT)
- Purpose: Explain the purpose of GXT, common modes and protocols, and which populations they are used for.
- Learning outcomes: Be able to describe the relative and absolute contraindications to terminate a GXT, and explain the appropriate measures to be recorded before, during, and after a GXT.
Cardiovascular Diseases
- Atherosclerosis: A type of cardiovascular disease.
- Ischemic Heart Disease: A type of cardiovascular disease.
- Angina: A type of cardiovascular disease.
- Peripheral artery disease: A type of cardiovascular disease.
- Valvular diseases: A type of cardiovascular disease.
- Myocardial infarction: A type of cardiovascular disease.
Gas Exchange
- Independent, graded, and inverse association between directly measured or estimated VO2 peak and mortality.
- 13% reduction in risk for all-cause mortality associated with each 1-MET increase in cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Useful in defining prognosis (and thus help guide the timing for cardiac transplantation) in patients with heart failure.
- Slope of change in VE to change in VCO2 production (Ve-VCO2 slope) during an exercise test is related to prognosis for patients with CHF.
- Other measures from CPET: ventilatory-derived AT, oxygen pulse, oxygen uptake efficiency slope, partial pressure of end tidal CO2, breathing reserve, and respiratory exchange ratio.
Diagnostic Value of GXT
- Greatest in those with intermediate probability of CAD, based on:
- Age and sex
- Presence of symptoms (stable or unstable)
- Prevalence of CAD in other persons of the same age and sex
- Factors that influence prognosis of CVD:
- Angina
- Presence of ST-segment depression evident on the ECG during exercise or in recovery
- Magnitude of ST depression (1 mm vs. 3 mm, where more ST depression represents greater risk)
- The number of ECG leads showing significant ST-segment depression
- Time of onset for ST depression during exercise
- Time during recovery to resolve ST-segment abnormalities observed during exercise
- Functional capacity (FC) as measured by exercise duration or metabolic equivalents of task (METs)
Example
- Client A:
- Angina pain
- Demonstrates 2.5 mm of ST-segment depression in four ECG leads just 3 min into an exercise test
- Functional capacity (FC) that approximates just 4 METs
- Client B:
- Symptom-free
- Completes 10 METs of work
- No ECG evidence of ST-segment depression
ECG Findings
- ST-segment or J-point elevation on a resting ECG is often attributable to early repolarization and not necessarily abnormal in healthy people.
- New ST-segment elevation with exertion (with normal resting ECG) → rare finding, may suggest transmural ischemia or a coronary artery spasm.
- When Q waves are present on the resting ECG from a previous infarction, ST elevation with exertion may reflect a LV aneurysm or wall motion abnormality.
- ST-elevation can localize ischemic area/arteries involved.
T-wave Changes
- Healthy individuals: T-wave amplitude initially decreases with the onset of exercise, then increases at maximal exercise.
- Flattening or inversion of T waves may not be associated with ischemia.
- Common in the presence of LVH.
- Normalization of T-waves also present during ischemic responses associated with coronary spasms.
- Overall, T-wave changes with exertion are not specific to exercise-induced ischemia.
Arrhythmia
- Used to evaluate the effectiveness of medical therapy in controlling an arrhythmia.
- When arrhythmias appear during the GXT, must document:
- The onset of the arrhythmia
- Any signs or symptoms associated with the arrhythmia
- Any ECG changes (e.g., ST depression)
- 3 major types of ECG rhythm or conduction abnormalities during exercise:
- Supraventricular arrhythmias that compromise cardiac function (e.g., atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation)
- Ventricular arrhythmias that have the potential to progress to a life-threatening arrhythmia
- The onset of high-grade conduction abnormalities
Reporting
- Summary report including information that should be interpreted relative to diagnosis, prognosis, or risk of developing a disorder.
- Information to include:
- Angina status:
- Present or not
- If so, onset (HR or MET level)
- Was angina the reason for test termination
- Intensity or grade reached
- Interventions during recovery (rest, medications)
- ECG findings:
- ST-segment information gathered at rest, during exercise, and in recovery
- If resting ECG normal, simply state, based on the presence or absence of ST depression during exercise, the test does or does not meet the criteria for exercise-induced myocardial ischemia
- Functional Capacity:
- Stated as estimated METs or measured O2, as an absolute number and qualified (e.g., above average, poor, superior) relative to normative data (similar age and gender)
- HR responses:
- Determine if normal (exceeded 80% of age-predicted) or consistent with a chronotropic incompetence (less than 80% of age-predicted) response
- Prognostic value of poor HR response = that of an exercise-induced myocardial perfusion deficit
- BP responses:
- Identify normal or abnormal BP responses (the magnitude of the increase approximates 10 mmHg per 1 MET of work)
- Peak SBP of >250 mm Hg = absolute contraindication
- Angina status:
Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease
- Atherosclerosis is a disease process resulting in blood flow-limiting lesions in epicardial coronary, carotid, iliac, and femoral arteries, and the aorta.
- Endothelial injury and subsequent inflammatory response play critical roles in atherosclerosis.
- Chronic excessive injury to endothelial cells may be due to factors such as smoking, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), hypertension, hyperglycemia, and infectious agents.
Endothelial Dysfunction
- Endothelial dysfunction leads to increased adhesiveness, platelet deposition, and monocyte adhesion.
- It also causes increased permeability to lipoproteins and other substances in the blood, and impaired vasodilation with increased vasospasm.
Platelet and Monocyte Response
- Platelets adhere to damaged endothelium, releasing growth factors and vasoconstrictor substances like thromboxane A2.
- Monocytes adhere to injured endothelium, migrate into the intima, and accumulate LDL, altering the oxidation process and transforming into macrophages.
Growth Factors and Cell Migration
- Growth factors result in the growth and proliferation of certain cells, migration of cells into the area of injury, and accumulation of cholesterol into the extracellular space.
- Smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts migrate from the media to the intima, and smooth muscle progenitor cells migrate from bone marrow to the intima.
Lesion Progression
- Lesions progress in complexity and size, forming a fibromuscular plaque with a fibrous cap, lipids, inflammatory cells, smooth muscle cells, thrombus, and calcium.
- Arterial remodeling thickens the vessel wall without changing lumen size, and progression of atherosclerosis reduces lumen size and blood flow.
Detection of Atherosclerotic Lesions
- Selective coronary angiography is the gold standard to identify the severity of coronary lesions, but underestimates the degree due to the diffuse nature of the disease process.
- Obstructive coronary lesions occur most frequently in the first 4 to 5 cm of the epicardial coronary arteries, and obstructive lesions at the origin of the left main and right main coronary arteries.
Valve Disorders/Valvular Heart Disease (VHD)
- Damage or defect in one of the four heart valves: Aortic, Mitral, Tricuspid, or Pulmonary
- Can be Congenital or Acquired
- Risk factors: Smoking, Gender, Age, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypertension, T2DM
Valve Structure and Function
- Valves have an outer layer of endothelial cells, surrounding 3 layers of matrix with specialized functions
- Matrix has collagens, proteoglycans, elastin
- Valves open and close approximately 100,000 times a day
- Healthy valves ensure blood flows with suitable force in the proper direction at the correct time
Valvular Heart Disease
- Valves become too narrow and hardened (stenotic) to open fully, or unable to close completely (incompetent)
- Stenotic valves force blood to back up in the adjacent heart chamber
- Incompetent valves allow blood to leak back into the chamber that it has just exited
- Compensatory mechanisms: heart muscle enlarges and thickens (LVH), blood pooling in heart chambers increases risk of stroke or pulmonary embolism
Mitral Valve Regurgitation
- Most common cause is myxomatous changes seen in mitral valve prolapse (MVP)
- Middle layer of valve leaflets becomes thickened, frequently causing leaflet redundancy, making it difficult for them to close properly
- Chordae tendinae may also be affected, disrupting support of the mitral valve apparatus
Mitral Valve Stenosis
- Mitral valve is narrowed and does not close properly
- Blocks blood flow coming into the left ventricle
- Common causes: infection, calcification, or genetic
Aortic Valve Regurgitation
- Aortic valve does not close completely and allows some of the blood back into the left ventricle
- LVH and dilation gradually occur over time if left untreated
- Leads to arrhythmias, LV impairment, and heart failure
Aortic Valve Stenosis
- Narrowing of the aortic valve which restricts blood flow from the LV to the aorta and systemic circulation
- Increases workload on the LV, leading to hypertrophy and heart failure
Inflammation
- Inflammation plays a significant role in many types of macrovascular calcification, including CAVD
- Inflammation-associated factors, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and oxLDL, activate vascular biomineralization and vascular osteogenic signaling processes
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a pro-osteogenic and pathogenic role in CAVD
Signs and Symptoms
- Shortness of breath (SOB)
- Fatigue
- Swollen feet or legs
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness or fainting
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
Treatment
- Calcific aortic valve disease and other types of VHD are reaching epidemic status
- Primary clinical approach: valve repair or replacement surgery
- Aortic valve replacement is the second most frequent cardiac surgery following coronary artery bypass grafting
Effects on Exercise Training
- Heart valve stenosis and regurgitation reduce Q
- Hypertrophy, ventricular dispensability, and diastolic dysfunction
- Exercise is recommended to improve overall quality of life and ADLs
- Exercise restrictions: only when disease progresses to the point of affecting resting or exertional symptoms, or compromised hemodynamics
Effects on the Exercise Response
- Exercise responses dependent on the type and severity of the VHD and which valve(s) are affected
- Asymptomatic milder forms: few restrictions
- Moderate-to-severe aortic stenosis: avoid vigorous or competitive exercise due to the risk of sudden death
Management and Medications
- Medications to: widen blood vessels, lower BP, decrease heart's work rate, maintain a regular heart rhythm, lower HR, reduce risk of blood clots, increase force of the heart's contractions
Recommendations for Exercise Testing
- Testing primarily completed on asymptomatic patients
- Difficult to use as a diagnostic tool due to co-morbidities, including left ventricular hypertrophy and exercise-induced S-T segment depression
- Testing should include assessment of HR and BP responses and exercise-induced symptoms
Recommendations for Exercise Prescription
- No prospective studies examining the impact of regular exercise on the progression of valvular heart disease
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Definition: Complete or partial blockage of the leg arteries by plaque, leading to narrowing of arteries in lower extremities
- Results in stenosis or occlusions, decreasing blood flow
- Global prevalence: 202 million cases
- 35-40% of patients have claudication, characterized by pain, cramping, or aching in calves, thighs, and buttocks
- 1-2% have critical limb ischemia
Classification Descriptors and 'Cut-Offs'
- ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) calculated by dividing the systolic pressure in the ankle artery by the systolic brachial pressure
- Normal pulse wave: multiphasic
- Reduced blood flow due to PAD: dampened and monophasic
- Critical limb ischemia: presence of ischemic rest pain, foot ulcers, or gangrene attributable to objectively proven arterial occlusive disease
Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hypercholesterolemia
- High levels of homocysteine and fibrinogen
- Increased blood viscosity
- Elevated cRP (C-reactive protein)
- Increased age (>50)
- Family history of vascular disease
Pathophysiology
- Begins with endothelial damage in arteries in the periphery
- Similar to atherosclerosis, but affects the peripheries
- Abnormal blood flow is predicted by the severity of the stenosis
- Leg pain symptoms: cramping, aching, tightening, and fatigue
Symptoms
- Claudication: relieved with rest, exertional, and located in the lower extremity
- Calf claudication: flow-limiting lesions in the femoral and popliteal arteries
- Buttock pain: flow-limiting lesions in the internal iliac arteries
- Thigh claudication: flow-limiting lesions in the profunda femoral artery
ABI and Symptom Severity Scales
- Normal ABI: 0.91 to 1.30-1.40
- Mild to moderate PAD: 0.41 to 0.90
- Severe PAD: 0.00 to 0.40
- Non-compressible, calcified vessel: >1.30
- Fontaine Stages: I-IV, with increasing severity
- Rutherford Categories: 0-6, with increasing severity
Clinical Considerations
- If PAD is present, the patient should be treated as if cardiovascular disease is also present
- Exercise is the first treatment option, and must be supervised
- Followed by peripheral and surgical options depending on the severity
Procedures
- Exercise: gold standard treatment for increasing walking distance
- Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA): opens narrowed or blocked blood vessels
- Bypass grafting: revascularization
Testing Recommendations
- Dose and timing of medication are noted and repeated for any subsequent test
- Measure ABI bilaterally after 5-10 minutes of supine rest, prior to testing
- Reproducibility: use a standardized treadmill protocol
- Note the onset of symptoms as close as possible using a numerical scale
Exercise Prescription
- Aerobic mode: walking
- Intensity: walking to moderate pain in 3-5 minutes, followed by rest and resumption of walking
- Frequency: at least three times per week, progressing to five times per week as tolerated
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Progression: increase duration by a few minutes each session, up to 50 minutes; increase speed to 3.0 mph
- Goals: improve peak walking time, claudication onset time, patient-reported outcomes, VO2peak, and functional performance
Revascularisation
- Refers to a surgical procedure to provide new or additional blood supply to a body part or organ, including the heart, lungs, kidney, liver, and muscles.
- Diagnostic testing includes MRI, CT scan, or X-ray fluoroscopy to identify the need for revascularisation or guide the procedure.
Procedures
- Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) with or without stenting:
- Involves opening the blocked vessel via balloon dilation (often with stent replacement) to return blood flow to the myocardium.
- Patients present with exertional chest pain or dyspnoea.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG):
- Revascularisation of a venous graft from the arm or leg or arterial graft (mammary) to provide blood flow to the myocardium beyond the site of occlusion or nearly occluded area.
- CABG isn't used for everyone with CAD; many with CAD are treated by lifestyle changes, medicines, and another revascularisation procedures (angioplasty).
Australian Statistics (AIHW)
- Coronary Angiography:
- Provides medical professionals with the information to decide on treatment options.
- 146,000 coronary angiography procedures performed in 2020-21, with 67% men and 33% women.
- Increased from 2000-2001 by 14% in men and 12% in women.
- Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI):
- Coronary angioplasty – catheter inserted with a small balloon, inflated to clear the blockage.
- Stenting is similar, but a stent (an expandable mesh tube) is inserted into the affected coronary arteries.
- 48,000 PCIs performed in 2020-21, with 75% men and 25% women.
- Increased from 2000-2001 by 37% in men and 26% in women.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG):
- Attaching a harvested vessel on the outside of the heart to bypass a blocked artery.
- 12,700 CABG procedures performed in 2020-21, with 83% men and 17% women.
- Decreased from 2000-2001 by 51% in men and 67% in women.
Pathophysiology of Coronary Artery Disease
- Build-up of macrophages, platelets, calcium, fibrous connection tissue, and lipids in the coronary arteries.
- Leads to an obstruction of blood flow.
- Mindful that ECG changes may not be present until a coronary artery has a 75% stenosis, and lesions that compromise 50% or more of the lumen can be clinically significant.
Coronary Intervention
- Coronary angioplasty and PTCA are minimally invasive procedures.
- Acute Myocardial Infarction (MI):
- Plaque rupture + platelet aggregation.
- Acute thrombus formation (sudden occlusion).
- Acute chest heaviness, diaphoresis, and nausea.
- Urgent PTCA required to limit the myocardial damage.
Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
- Coronary angioplasty is less invasive than CABG.
- Involves opening the blocked vessel via balloon dilation (often with stent replacement).
- Lower risk than CABG, however, complications include:
- Rebound vasoconstriction.
- Chronic restenosis.
- Embolism.
- MI.
- Arrhythmias.
- Dissection of a coronary artery.
Stent
- Stents are used to reduce the risk of an acute closure during a PTCA and restenosis.
- A stainless steel mesh tube is inserted into the affected coronary artery and expanded.
- Catheter is removed, and stent remains in the vessel permanently, covered by the endothelium in time.
- Fast recovery (day-surgery in some cases).
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
- CABG isn't used for everyone with CAD; many with CAD are treated by lifestyle changes, medicines, and another revascularisation procedures (angioplasty).
- CABG may be an option for severe blockages for large coronary arteries, especially if the heart's pumping action has already been weakened.
- CABG may also be an option if blockages in the heart that can't be treated with angioplasty.
Minimally Invasive and Robotic Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
- Introduced in the mid-1990s (Benetti from Buenos Aires).
- Various variations since then, performed mainly in Central Europe and the USA.
- Typical procedure:
- Incision below the areolar in men and breast fold in women (4th intercostal space).
- The LIMA or RIMA is harvested under direct vision.
- Pericardium opened, and target vessels are accessed using specifically designed positioners and stabilisers.
- Anastomoses performed on the beating heart using standard instrumentation and standard anastomotic techniques (sometimes additional intraluminal shunts).
Heart Failure
- Heart failure occurs when the heart functions less effectively, resulting in reduced cardiac output and/or elevated intracardiac pressures.
- Causes of heart failure include heart attack, high blood pressure, damaged heart valves, and cardiomyopathy.
- Cardiomyopathy weakens the entire heart muscle or a large part of it due to disease.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Mild heart failure may show few symptoms, while severe cases exhibit dyspnoea, ankle swelling, fatigue, and structural signs of peripheral oedema.
- Heart failure cannot be cured, but treatment can improve quality of life, reduce hospital admissions, and prolong life.
Prevalence
- In Australia, approximately 102,000 people aged 18 and over had heart failure in 2017-2018, with two-thirds being 65 years or older.
- The rate of heart failure is 2.9 times higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared to non-indigenous Australians.
Classification
- Heart failure can be classified into systolic heart failure (HFrEF) and diastolic heart failure (HFpEF).
- Systolic heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is weak, and ventricular myofibrils cannot contract or against load.
- Diastolic heart failure occurs when the ventricle is stiff, and the problem is not contraction, but rather an inability to expand or relax and fill under pressure.
Diagnosis and Assessment
- Echocardiogram measures LV contraction (ejection) and relaxation to diagnose heart failure.
- Blood tests, such as BNP, can aid in diagnosis.
- Exercise capacity assessments, including peak oxygen consumption (VO2), can indicate 1-year mortality rates.
Exercise Testing
- Exercise testing in heart failure patients is similar to other types of heart disease.
- Modified Bruce or Naughton protocol is used, with cycle ramp 10-15W/min.
- Ventilatory-derived lactate threshold/gas exchange threshold is a useful measure of exercise capacity.
Expected Responses
- Compared to healthy individuals, people with heart failure exhibit central and peripheral differences in exercise responses.
- Tables 16.1 and 16.3 in the text provide more details on these differences.
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