Cardiac performance capacity and the effect of exercise on renal plasma flow in aortic insufficiency.

Maximal oxygen intake and renal plasma flow at rest and in work were measured in normal subjects and patients with aortic valve insufficiency; the tests measure some aspects of cardiovascular function. The lower maximal oxygen intake and renal plasma flow at rest and in work in these cardiac patients indicate a decreased cardiovascular performance capacity even though the patients were asymptomatic and their daily physical activity was not restricted.