ABC Heart Fail Cardiomyop 2023; 3(2): e20220097

Correlation between Pulse Pressure and Sub-maximal Functional Capacity in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Gustavo Matas Kern, Luiz Claudio Danzmann , Leticia Kunst, Ludmila Limpias Terrazas Binkowski, Carla Alessandra Smiderle

DOI: 10.36660/abchf.20220097

ABSTRACT

Background:

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized by diastolic dysfunction, as well as alterations in ventricular filling and remodelling. This change in diastolic function without reduced ejection fraction is manifested as exercise intolerance, and arterial stiffness, measured by pulse pressure, is considered an independent predictor of functional capacity.

Objective:

To evaluate the correlation between sub-maximal functional capacity and pulse pressure (PP) in patients with HFpEF.

Methods:

Patients with HFpEF performed the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in a 45-meter hallway at the University Hospital. Patients were instructed to walk at a speed consistent with their daily activities. Their vital signs were monitored, and the Borg scale was applied for symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue. Blood pressure was measured at rest. PP was estimated using the formula PP = systolic blood pressure − diastolic blood pressure, with 65 mmHg as the cutoff point.

Results:

We observed a difference of 120.5 ± 43.97 meters between the mean distances walked during the 6MWT between the groups with increased and normal PP (294.5 ± 111.3 m versus 415.4 ± 105.3 m, p = 0.01). Pearson’s test demonstrated a slight inverse correlation between PP values and the distance walked by patients during the 6MWT (r = −0.4, p = 0.049).

Conclusion:

There was a reduction in sub-maximal capacity in patients with increased PP, as shown by the slight inverse correlation between PP and distance walked during the 6MWT.