Does the choice of reference equation affect the percent predicted maximal V˙O2 in patients with heart failure?
The choice of reference equation significantly impacts percent predicted maximal V˙O2 calculations, highlighting the need for standardized equations in clinical guidelines.
Statistically significant and clinically meaningful variations in the ppMV˙O2 are observed on the basis of the reference equation used to predict MV˙O2. Future writing committees should specify the preferred reference equation when identifying a ppMV˙O2 criterion in guideline statements.
Brawner et al. (Thu,) studied this question.