Abstract
BACKGROUND: Exercise training based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) improves outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), while nutritional status is also crucial. This study evaluated CPET implementation and the impacts of clinical parameters, including CPET and nutritional status, on 2-year outcomes in ACS patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data from 2,621 ACS patients enrolled in the Mie ACS registry were analyzed. Of these, 938 were hospitalized in CPET-equipped facilities, while 1,683 were not. Nutritional status was assessed using controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score. Cox regression analysis evaluated the associations between nutritional status, CPET-based exercise education, and 2-year prognosis. Among the 938 patients in CPET facilities, 359 underwent CPET and received exercise education. During the 2-year follow up, 60 all-cause deaths occurred. Univariate Cox regression revealed that CPET implementation was associated with lower all-cause mortality. Other predictors included hemoglobin levels, age, hospitalization length, Killip class ≥2, mechanical support, and malnutrition. In multivariate Cox regression, CPET implementation remained an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 0.47; P=0.04). However, when nutritional status was included, moderate to severe malnutrition emerged as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 2.47; P=0.02), diminishing the significance of CPET (P=0.058). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to severe malnutrition is a powerful independent prognostic factor for mortality in the Mie ACS registry. CPET implementation may enhance survival in ACS patients.