Comparison of Upper and Lower Limb Maximal Exercise Capacities and Arterial Stiffness in Patients With CAD

Coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly increases mortality rates in both developed and developing countries. In this condition, the impairment of arterial blood circulation leads to insufficient blood supply to the myocardium during both rest and exercise, resulting in symptoms such as angina pectoris, dyspnea, and fatigue. Patients, particularly due to their fear of experiencing angina pectoris, tend to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. This situation contributes to exercise intolerance and a reduction in exercise capacity among individuals with CAD. A review of the literature reveals a lack of studies investigating upper and lower extremity exercise capacity and the physiological responses during exercise testing in patients with CAD. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare arterial stiffness, muscle oxygenation, respiratory muscle fatigue, energy expenditure, perceived dyspnea, and fatigue during upper and lower extremity exercise testing in patients with coronary artery disease.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-85 with coronary artery disease diagnosed by conventional or CT angiography * Clinically stable * Willing to participate Exclusion Criteria: * Heart failure diagnosis * Moderate/severe valvular heart disease * Orthopedic, neurological, or pulmonary conditions limiting exercise testing/capacity * Contraindications per ACSM guidelines * Prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery