Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Severe Mitral Regurgitation
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Severe Mitral Regurgitation
The purpose of this study is the evaluation of cardiac and pulmonary response to
 cardiopulmonary exercise in severe mitral regurgitation and its variation under treatment
 (surgical mitral valve repair, percutaneous mitral valve repair, optimal medical treatment).
 The study is conducted as a prospective, observational, single-center study. Patients
 suffering from symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation will be eligible, if they are referred
 to the University Hospital of Regensburg, Germany, for further diagnostic procedures and
 heart team discussion. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is performed comprising standardized
 stress echocardiography as well as ergospirometry. Additional detailed assessment will be
 conducted including standardized questionary, clinical examination, transesophageal
 echocardiography and measurement of biomarkers.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  symptomatic, severe mitral regurgitation

 -  referral for diagnostic work-up and heart team discussion

 -  declaration of informed consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  contra-indication for cardiopulmonary stress examination (unstable angina pectoris,
 left main disease, abnormal electrolyte concentrations, acute decompensation)

 -  pregnancy

 -  exercise test on treadmill not possible (amputation of lower extremity, severe
 arthritis of lower extremities)

 -  no acceptable acoustic window at rest