Introduction:

The 6-minute walk test in cardiac rehabilitation is and effective and safe tool for the evaluation of functional status, as well of the effectiveness of the therapy, the adjustment of training methods, and to establish the morbidity and mortality prognosis.

Objective:

To investigate the aspects that affect the physiological response in the 6-minute walk test in cardiovascular rehabilitation patients at moderate altitudes (2,550 metres above sea level), and determine the clinical importance.

Material and methods:

A descriptive study was conducted on 487 six-minute walks by patients with ages between 18 and 80 years, enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation programme and who lived at a moderate altitude.

Results:

The Colombian cardiovascular patients covered shorter distances than those demonstrated in other populations and other diseases. The heart rate during the test increased by 40 beats per minute and reached 65% of the maximum heart rate, as such that the systolic blood pressure increased by 20 mmHg. The perception of central and peripheral effort also increased up to 4 points on the Borg scale, as well as a mean decrease of 3% in oxygen saturation.

Conclusion:

The 6-minute test is safe and well-tolerated in cardiovascular patients living at moderate altitudes. Significant changes were seen during the walk as regards chronotropic response, pressure, perception of effort, oxygen saturation levels, which were different from the results found at sea level. This phenomenon provides reference values for tests performed on cardiovascular patients at moderate altitudes, as well as for the clinical approach to the evaluation of the functional capacity, physical independence, falls risk, adjustments to medication, and an integral assessment of comorbidities.

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