Arterial Stiffness is Related to Impaired Exercise Capacity in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease and History of Myocardial Infarction

Background Augmented arterial stiffness and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with increased morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease (CAD). The relationship between exercise capacity and arterial stiffness is independent of known influencing variables in CAD. This study aimed to analyse the interaction between exercise capacity, arterial stiffness and early vascular ageing in patients with CAD. Methods This cross-sectional study included 96 CAD patients with myocardial infarction (55.9 ± 10.9 years, 81 men) referred to cardiac rehabilitation. Arterial stiffness was assessed using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Cardiopulmonary exercise test was perf…