Decline in effort capacity with age: Echocardiographic stress analysis in the elderly

BACKGROUND The present study was designed to assess the underlying mechanism of decline in effort capacity seen with aging. METHODS We analyzed 250 healthy senior patients (≥65 years) with an ejection fraction ≥60% who underwent a stress echocardiogram test. The seniors (aged 65-94) were divided into 3 equal age groups (groups 1, 2, and 3), and their echo characteristics at rest and peak exercise (measured and calculated) were compared. RESULTS Diastolic function at rest declined significantly (E lateral, E septal, E/E', A) with age, while other rest parameters were similar. There was a significant reduction in peak cardiac output (CO) associated with age (time × age group interaction; P