Chronotropic Incompetence Predicts Reduced Survival and Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Time-to-Event Data.

What was studied

This review pooled studies of people with heart failure. It compared those with chronotropic incompetence, called CI, with those without it. It looked at survival and exercise performance. Searches ran up to October 2025. Survival data were rebuilt from published reports.

What they found

CI was linked to a higher risk of heart events. The hazard ratio was 2.75. CI was also linked to a higher risk of death. The hazard ratio was 1.97. Over 2500 days, people with CI had 410 fewer event-free days for heart events. They had 176 fewer for death. Heart rate and exercise measures were lower with CI. The pattern held in reduced and preserved heart failure.

What it means for patients

The authors say CI is linked to poorer survival and weaker exercise capacity. They say it matters to recognize and address CI in heart failure care.

Why it is not certain yet

The abstract reports links, not proof that CI causes harm. The abstract does not give the number of people. A meta-analysis can only be as good as the studies in it.

Source

Chronotropic Incompetence Predicts Reduced Survival and Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Time-to-Event Data.

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