788-2 Six Minute Walk Test Gives Prognostic Information in Severe Hear Failure

Abstract

Distance walked in Six minute walk test (SMWT) has been shown to give prognostic information in moderate heart failure. We studied the value of SMWT in 359 patients with severe CHF (NYHA III-IV) in a multicenter trial of continuous epoprostenol infusions. SMWT was performed in a 30 m long corridor. Perceived symptoms were evaluated by the Borg scale. Follow up was performed at 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6 and 9 months. SMWT at baseline was significantly related to survival (p = 0.0001). When SMWT distance was below median, 210 m, 6 month mortality was 50% vs 20% above median (p < 0.001). Median Borg scale at end of exercise was 3.2. A test with a Borg scale above median value was 174 m vs 230 m below median (p < 0.001). When all tests performed at baseline and during follow up were included (n = 1291) and related to changes in NYHA class, there was a significant relationship to NYHA class (p = 0.0001). In severe CHF Six minute walk test is related to symptoms and perceived exertion. The test also gives prognostic information and it is related to functional classification.