Internal and emergency medicine
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In heart failure survival is closely related to functional capacity. Peak O2 consumption at cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is considered the gold standard for the evaluation of exercise tolerance. ⋯ The 6MWT reproduces the activity of daily life and this is particularly relevant in elderly patients who usually develop symptoms below their theoretical maximal exercise capacity. Despite some limits 6MWT is attractive for patients referred to Departments of Internal Medicine allowing an objective evaluation of exercise tolerance, a better prognostic evaluation and a guide to evaluate response to medical treatment.