Several studies have shown that longitudinal systolic function and left ventricular filling pressures, as assessed with tissue Doppler imaging, predict exercise capacity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether natriuretic peptides and inflammatory parameters can independently predict maximum oxygen uptake at peak exercise (Vo₂max) on top of tissue Doppler imaging–derived markers.

We evaluated 142 patients (age 70 ± 6 years, 77% men) with known or suspected coronary artery disease and a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%). All patients underwent bicycle spiroergometry, and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide levels were determined. Cytokines (IL-6 and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured as inflammatory markers. Tissue Doppler imaging was applied to evaluate peak long axis sytolic velocities (Sm) and early mitral annulus velocities (E′). Ratio of early transmitral flow (E) to E′ was assessed as marker of left ventricular filling. Analysis of variance, comparing Vo₂max quartiles, was used to determine univariate predictors and linear regression to determine multivariate Vo₂max predictors.

Average Vo₂max was 18.5 ± 5.7 mL/kg per minute (range 6-36.6). Compared with the highest quartile, patients with low Vo₂max were more frequently women (P < .0001). N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide and cytokine levels were significantly higher in the lower Vo₂max categories. Longitudinal myocardial velocities increased, and E/E′ decreased along with increasing Vo₂max. In multivariate linear regression analysis, Vo₂max was independently predicted by sex, glucose, Sm, E/E′, and cytokine levels.

Maximum oxygen uptake at peak exercise in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease and preserved systolic function was independently predicted by inflammatory makers on top of tissue Doppler–derived systolic and diastolic function.