Aims: To assess the efficacy of symptom-limited stair-climbing test (SLSCT), in determining the exercise capacities of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) in comparison with cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and 6-minute walk test(6MWT) and to interpret the results according to the clinical status of the patients.

Methods: Thirty-one patients, aged 50-75 years, with stage II-III CHF according to the New York Heart Association Classification and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤45% were included. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Exercise capacity was assessed by SLSCT, 6MWT, and CPET. The duration of patients' performance in the test, reasons for ending the test and predicted maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) were recorded. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), dyspnoea severity [Modified Borg Scale (MBS)] and peripheral oxygen saturation were recorded. Pulmonary functions were assessed by spirometry.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 50-75 years of age
• NYHA stage II-III
• LVEF of 45% or less
• Independently walking and climbing stairs
• Volunteer to participate in research

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any acute or chronic condition that would limit exercise capacity other than CHF
• Insufficient mental status to perform tests and surveys
• Orthopaedic problem limiting exercise test in lower extremity
• Severe obesity or there is a secondary cause for obesity
• Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia
• Unstable angina

Thirty-one patients age 65.52±7.57 years with stage II-III according to the NYHA classification, diagnosed with CHF, with a LVEF of 45% or less admitted to study.