Association of asymmetric dimethylarginine levels with treadmill-stress-test-derived prognosticators

Abstract Background Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide production. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between ADMA and treadmill stress test outcome parameters with known prognostic value, in patients with intermediate risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods Study participants were referred for treadmill exercise stress test (EST) due to symptoms of suspected CAD. Participants with prior history of CAD, cerebrovascular events, peripheral artery disease, systemic inflammatory disease or use of anti-inflammatory agents were excluded. ADMA levels were measured before EST. Results The study prospectively enrolled 209 individuals (165 males, aged 58.1 ± 10.9). A significant negative correlation was detected between ADMA and maximal exercise time (r = − 0.556, p  2  = 0.210; beta = − 10.5; 95% confidence interval − 14.9 to − 6.2; adjusted p  2  = 0.500; beta − 8.5; 95% confidence interval − 9.7 to − 6.0; adjusted p  Conclusion ADMA is correlated to EST parameters with proven prognostic value. This implies that ADMA itself might be a useful prognosticator in patients with suspected CAD.