Functional capacity after percutaneous coronary intervention: The predominant role of age

Abstract Background and Aims Functional capacity, commonly measured by six-minute walk test (6MWT), is a key outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Although clinical and anatomical factors may influence recovery, their relative impact remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the determinants factors of functional capacity in rehabilitation patients underwent PCI. Methods This cross-sectional study included 180 patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation following PCI at Prof Dr. R.D. Kandou Central General Hospital. Clinical and anthropometric data were collected, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), age, risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking), ejection fraction (EF), lesion number and location. Functional capacity was assessed using 6MWT. Normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk. Associations were analyzed using Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney U, and multiple linear regression. Results Mean age was 58.8± 10.0 years, mean 6MWT distance was 318.6± 74.4 meters. Age was negatively correlated with 6MWT (rs=-0.241, p=0.001), EF showed a positive correlation (rs=0.190, p=0.011). Number of lesions was also negatively associated (rs=-0.196, p=0.008), LCx stenosis was associated with lower 6MWT (p=0.047). BMI, WC, and individual risk factors were not significantly associated. In multivariable analysis, age remained as independent predictor (β=-1.443, p=0.013). The model explained 12.7% variance (R² = 0.127). Conclusion Age emerges as the sole independent predictor of functional capacity in PCI patients, while ejection fraction and coronary anatomy are in univariate level. These findings highlight the importance of age-tailored rehabilitation strategies.Figure 1.Factors Affecting Functional Capacity (6MWT) in Post-PCI Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients (N = 180) Top row: Scatter plots for significant continuous correlates. Middle row: Boxplots by risk factor group and bar chart by vessel location. Bottom: Forest plot of Spearman's rs for all predictors. Red = p < 0.05