TITLE:
Six-Minute Walk Test Profile in Heart Failure Patients in Brazzaville: A Pilot Study
AUTHORS:
Christian Michel Kouala Landa, Daria Carole Motsambo, Solange Flore Ngamami Mongo, Jospin Karel Bassakouahou Makani, Rogue Pattern Bakekolo, Eric Gibrel Kimbally-Kaky, Kivié Mou-Moué Ngolo Letomo, Franck Yannis Kouikani, Bertrand Fikahem Ellenga Mbolla
KEYWORDS:
Six-Minute Walk Test, Heart Failure, Functional Capacity, Sub-Saharan Africa, Brazzaville
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases,
Vol.15 No.12,
December
23,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Heart failure (HF) significantly impairs functional capacity. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) offers a simple, validated assessment tool, yet remains underutilized in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated functional capacity in HF patients in Brazzaville. Methods: Cross-sectional study (January-March 2020) at Brazzaville University Hospital. Patients with stable chronic HF and documented echocardiography underwent 6MWT following ATS guidelines. Walking distance, clinical parameters, and factors associated with severe impairment (distance Results: Fifty patients (50% women, mean age 50 ± 12 years) were included. Hypertension (74%) predominated among risk factors. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 42% ± 15% (52% with reduced LVEF). Hypertensive heart disease (42%) and dilated cardiomyopathy (35%) were leading etiologies. Mean walking distance was 338 ± 91 m (49% of predicted 690 ± 78 m). Severe impairment (Conclusion: Functional capacity is markedly impaired in Brazzaville HF patients, with walking distance averaging half of predicted values. Modifiable factors include obesity, medication adherence, and guideline-directed medical therapy optimization. These findings support systematic 6MWT integration and structured cardiac rehabilitation programs in resource-limited settings.