Limits to submaximal and maximal exercise in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Through state-of-the-art hemodynamic and oxygen uptake methodologies, this study found the cardiac output response to increasing metabolic demand is blunted among patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), primarily due to a reduced stroke volume reserve. Many patients with HCM augment their peripheral oxygen extraction during maximal exercise to achieve normal exercise capacity and overcome ineffective matching of cardiac output. Peripheral adaptations that compensate for cardiac limitations may contribute to the heterogeneity of functional limitations observed within this patient population.