The investigators aimed to study the associations between exercise capacity and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients and to determine possible relationships with disease-related variables. Thirty eight patients and 38 controls were recruited in our cross-sectional controlled study. Comprehensive systemic and musculoskeletal examinations were carried out in both of the groups. Cardiovascular risk profile data, ASDAS-CRP, 10-year CV event risk, physical activity levels (IPAQ) were recorded. A maximal treadmill exercise test by Bruce protocol was administered to all participants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• clinical diagnosis of axial SpA
• must be able to walk

Exclusion Criteria:

• established cardiac disease including structural heart diseases,
• uncontrolled hypertension,
• cardiac rhythm disorder,
• unstable angina pectoris,
• chronical renal and/or hepatic disease,
• malignancy,
• neuromuscular disease
• musculoskeletal deformity
• the history of an inflammatory arthritis for control group

Thirty eight patients fulfilling the ASAS axial SpA criteria were recruited from the department of Gazi University Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Rheumatology. 38 control subjects were randomly recruited from local hospital staff with a similar range of sex and age to the patients.