Prediction of Mortality by Exercise Echocardiography

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Background—In studies generally involving short follow-up, exercise echocardiography has been shown to predict composite end points. We sought to study the prediction of mortality with this test and to devise a strategy for combination with standard exercise testing. Methods and Results—Clinical, exercise testing, and echocardiographic data were collected in 5375 patients (aged 54±14 years, 3880 men) undergoing exercise echocardiography. The Duke treadmill score was derived from the results of treadmill exercise testing. Resting left ventricular (LV) function and the presence and severity of ischemia were interpreted by expert observers. Follow-up at 10.6 years (mean 5.5±1.9 years) was complete in 5211 patients (97%). The Duke score classified 59% of patients as low risk, 39% as intermediate risk, and 2% as high risk. Resting LV dysfunction was present in 1445 patients (27%), and the exercise echocardiogram was abnormal in 2525 patients (47%). Death occurred in 649 patients (12%). Over the first 6 years o...