VO2 Max in Clinical Cardiology: Clinical Applications, Evidence Gaps, and Future Directions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: VO₂ max is a fundamental marker of cardiorespiratory fitness with substantial prognostic and diagnostic value within the field of cardiology. This review analyzes current and emerging evidence regarding its clinical uses, highlights key evidence gaps, and explores emerging developments poised to broaden its clinical application.

RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence supports VO2 max as a powerful independent predictor for heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and cardiac amyloidosis, supporting it use in identifying high-risk patients for advanced interventions. Recent developments including the integration of machine learning and wearable devices can facilitate accurate VO2 estimation in routine clinical practice without the necessity of specialized diagnostic tools. Despite its robust diagnostic and prognostic value, VO₂ max assessment remains underutilized in routine cardiovascular care, primarily due to the need for specialized equipment and personnel. Future research should explore emerging technological innovations for VO2 max estimation and the development of evidence-based protocols to support its broader clinical implementation for improved cardiovascular outcomes.