A recent study from Mayo Clinic shows that exercise test data can also predict non-cardiovascular causes of death, such as cancer.
What is an exercise test?
An exercise test, also known as a stress test, is a noninvasive procedure that measures how your heart responds to physical activity. You will walk or run on a treadmill while an electrocardiogram (ECG) records your heart’s electrical activity. The test also provides information on your functional aerobic capacity, heart rate recovery and chronotropic index, which reflect your fitness level and age.
What did the study find?
The study looked at 13,382 patients who had no baseline heart problems or other serious diseases and who had completed exercise tests at Mayo Clinic between 1993 and 2010. They were followed for an average of 12.7 years. The researchers found that:
Non-cardiovascular deaths were more common than cardiovascular deaths. Cancer was the leading cause of death, accounting for 38% of the deaths, while only 19% of the deaths were related to the heart.
Exercise test results such as low exercise capacity, low peak heart rate, and slow recovery of the heart rate after exercise were associated with increased mortality from both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes.
The ECG results alone were not enough to predict the risk of death. Other data from the exercise test were also important.
What does this mean for you?
The study suggests that an exercise test can provide valuable information about your overall health and risk of death, not just your heart health. If you have abnormal exercise test results, such as low fitness level or poor heart rate response, you should talk to your doctor about ways to improve your physical activity and lifestyle. Exercise is not only good for your heart, but also for your whole body and mind.
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