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Usefulness of a postoperative exercise test for predicting cardiac events after coronary artery bypass grafting.

The predictive value of a postoperative exercise test in terms of cardiac events after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was prospectively studied in 231 consecutive patients. During a 5-year follow-up there were 28 cardiac events (12%), of which 15 were cardiac deaths (13 sudden), and 13 were nonfatal myocardial infarctions. There was no difference in the rate of graft patency between groups with and without cardiac events, but ejection fraction was lower in patients with than without events (51 +/- 16% vs 58 +/- 10%; p less than 0.05). Duration of the exercise test was shorter, and maximal work load was lower in patients with cardiac events (p less than 0.05 for both). The prevalence of greater than or equal to 1 mm ST-segment depression was 22% (symptomatic in 25%, and silent in 75%) and did not differ between groups with and without cardiac events. After adjustment for prognostic variables using the proportional hazards method, diuretic treatment (p = 0.007) and a low postoperative ejection fraction (p = 0.04) remained significant for predicting the risk of cardiac events within 5 years of CABG, but exercise duration and work load did not have any significant predictive value. Thus, the predictive value of a postoperative exercise test is limited, and signs of impaired left ventricular function are of greater significance for the 5-year prognosis after CABG than are those of myocardial ischemia.

Chi-Square Distribution↗

Aficamten and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test Performance: A Substudy of the SEQUOIA-HCM Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: Impaired exercise capacity is a cardinal manifestation of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The Phase 3 Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Aficamten Compared to Placebo in Adults With Symptomatic Obstructive HCM (SEQUOIA-HCM) is a pivotal study characterizing the treatment effect of aficamten, a next-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor, on a comprehensive set of exercise performance and clinical measures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of aficamten on exercise performance using cardiopulmonary exercise testing with a novel integrated measure of maximal and submaximal exercise performance and evaluate other exercise measures and clinical correlates. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a prespecified analysis from SEQUOIA-HCM, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Patients were recruited from 101 sites in 14 countries (North America, Europe, Israel, and China). Individuals with symptomatic obstructive HCM with objective exertional intolerance (peak oxygen uptake [pVO2] &#x2264;90% predicted) were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed from January to March 2024. INTERVENTIONS: Randomized 1:1 to aficamten (5-20 mg daily) or matching placebo for 24 weeks. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was change from baseline to week 24 in integrated exercise performance, defined as the 2-component z score of pVO2 and ventilatory efficiency throughout exercise (minute ventilation [VE]/carbon dioxide output [VCO2] slope). Response rates for achieving clinically meaningful thresholds for change in pVO2 and correlations with clinical measures of treatment effect (health status, echocardiographic/cardiac biomarkers) were also assessed. RESULTS: Among 282 randomized patients (mean [SD] age, 59.1&#x2009;[12.9] years; 115 female [40.8%], 167 male [59.2%]), 263 (93.3%) had core laboratory-validated exercise testing at baseline and week 24. Integrated composite exercise performance improved in the aficamten group (mean [SD] z score, 0.17&#x2009;[0.51]) from baseline to week 24, whereas the placebo group deteriorated (mean [SD] z score, -0.19&#x2009;[0.45]), yielding a placebo-corrected improvement of 0.35 (95% CI, 0.25-0.46; P&#x2009;<.001). Further, aficamten treatment demonstrated significant improvements in total workload, circulatory power, exercise duration, heart rate reserve, peak heart rate, ventilatory efficiency, ventilatory power, and anaerobic threshold (all P <.001). In the aficamten group, large improvements (&#x2265;3.0 mL/kg per minute) in pVO2 were more common than large reductions (32% and 2%, respectively) compared with placebo (16% and 11%, respectively). Improvements in both components of the primary outcome, pVO2 and VE/VCO2 slope throughout exercise, were significantly correlated with improvements in symptom burden and hemodynamics (all P <.05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This prespecified analysis of the SEQUOIA-HCM randomized clinical trial found that aficamten treatment improved a broad range of exercise performance measures. These findings offer valuable insight into the therapeutic effects of aficamten. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05186818.

Humans↗

The growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I axis hormones and bone markers in elite athletes in response to a maximum exercise test.

The aim of the GH-2000 project is to develop a method for detecting GH doping among athletes. Previous papers in the GH-2000 project have proposed that a forthcoming method to detect GH doping will need specific components from the GH/IGF-I axis and bone markers because these specific variables seem more sensitive to exogenous GH than to exercise. The present study examined the responses of the serum concentrations of these specific variables to a maximum exercise test in elite athletes from selected sports. A total of 117 elite athletes (84 males and 33 females; mean age, 25 yr; range, 18-53 yr) from Denmark, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Sweden participated in the study. The serum concentrations of total GH, GH22 kDa, IGF-I, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-2, IGFBP-3, acid-labile subunit, procollagen type III (P-III-P), and the bone markers osteocalcin, carboxy-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), and carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen were measured. The maximum exercise test showed, in both genders, a peak concentration of total GH (P < 0.001) and GH22 kDa (P < 0.001) by the time exercise ended compared with baseline, and a subsequent decrease to baseline levels within 30-60 min after exercise. The mean time to peak value for total GH and GH22 kDa was significantly shorter in males than females (P < 0.001). The components of the IGF-I axis showed a similar pattern, with a peak value after exercise compared with baseline for IGF-I (P < 0.001, males and females); IGFBP-3 (P < 0.001, males and females); acid-labile subunit [P < 0.001, males; not significant (NS), females], and IGFBP-2 (P < 0.05, females; NS, males). The serum concentrations of the bone markers ICTP (P < 0.001, males; P < 0.05, females) and P-III-P (P < 0.001, males and females) increased in both genders, with a peak value in the direct post-exercise phase and a subsequent decrease to baseline levels or below within 120 min. The osteocalcin and propeptide of type I procollagen values did not change during the exercise test. Specific reference ranges for each variable in the GH/IGF-I axis and bone markers at specific time points are presented. Most of the variables correlated negatively with age. In summary, the maximum exercise test showed a rather uniform pattern, with peak concentrations of the GH/IGF-I axis hormones and the bone markers ICTP and P-III-P immediately after exercise, followed by a subsequent decrease to baseline levels. The time to peak value for total GH and GH22 kDa was significantly shorter for females compared with males. This paper presents reference ranges for each marker in each gender at specific time points in connection to a maximum exercise test to be used in the development of a test for detection of GH abuse in sports.

Adult↗

Special considerations in exercise testing. Protocols, equipment, and testing athletes.

A growing number of physicians are performing exercise tests in their offices for the purposes of diagnosing cardiopulmonary disease and assessing exercise capacity in patients with heart disease. Methodology of testing is important in making the most effective use of the information gathered from the test. Selecting an approach that fits the objectives of the test and the individual being tested is essential for accurate and reproducible results. This article discusses the various exercise protocols and equipment used in exercise testing.

Exercise Test↗

Comparison of exercise tests in French trotters under training track, racetrack and treadmill conditions.

Standardised exercise tests were performed at 2 different tracks and on an uninclined treadmill during the same week to determine the influence of exercise surface on different measured variables such as heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration, packed cell volume, stride frequency, stride length, gait symmetry and regularity and on different derived physiological variables such as the speed at a HR of 200 beats/min (V200), the speed at a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l (V4), the speed at a maximal HR (VHRmax). Five French Trotters, age 3 years, in training for 3 months prior to the test, performed 3 exercise tests on a training track (Test 1), a racetrack (Test 2) and an uninclined treadmill (Test 3). Test 1 utilised 3 steps each of 3 min at speeds of 490, 560 and 630 m/min. Tests 2 and 3 utilised the same speeds and a fourth step in which the horse was accelerated for 30 s to speed approaching maximal. No significant differences (P < 0.05) were found for the physiological and locomotor variables between the 2 tracks. In contrast, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) for these variables between the tracks and the treadmill, horses showing lower heart rate and blood lactate response, reduced stride frequency and increased stride length and regularity on the uninclined treadmill. We concluded that this standardised exercise test was repeatable on various tracks even when the surface and geometry vary. In contrast, both physiological and locomotor variables were different when comparing the tracks with the uninclined treadmill.

Animals↗

Value of isometric exercise testing in the optimal timing of aortic valve replacement in aortic regurgitation.

To evaluate the possible irreversibility of isometric exercise-induced left ventricular dysfunction in aortic regurgitation, we performed handgrip exercise tests during cardiac catheterization on 17 patients with chronic aortic regurgitation (AR-group), both preoperatively and one year after successful aortic valve replacement. Nine normal subjects served as a control group. Preoperatively, the ejection fraction decreased from 59 +/- 7% to 53 +/- 8% (P less than 0.001) in the AR-group while it remained unchanged in the control group during exercise. A positive correlation existed between the changes in the ejection fraction during pre- and postoperative exercise tests (r = 0.85, P less than 0.001), which revealed that in patients with severely depressed ejection fraction during the preoperative exercise test, the ventricular response to exercise was not totally corrected after surgery. The regression of left ventricular mass was also smaller in the patients with most depressed ventricular response to exercise preoperatively. As the isometric exercise-induced left ventricular dysfunction appears to be partly irreversible, we conclude that the valve replacement should perhaps be performed before stress-induced ventricular dysfunction has occurred. Non-invasive monitoring of ventricular response to exercise might be helpful in optimizing the timing of valve replacement in aortic regurgitation.

Adult↗

Significance of silent myocardial ischemia during exercise testing in women: report from the Coronary Artery Surgery Study.

To evaluate the significance of silent myocardial ischemia during exercise testing in women compared to men, we analyzed the data on 1087 women and 3834 men who underwent exercise testing and coronary angiography from the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS) registry. The patients were divided into three groups on the basis of the results of exercise testing: group 1, silent ischemia (253 women, 853 men); group 2, symptomatic ischemia (156 women, 1250 men); and group 3, no ischemia (678 women, 1731 men). The survival rate at 12 years for women was 80% for group 1, 75% for group 2, and 86% for group 3 (p = 0.0022); the survival rate for men was 69% for group 1, 69% for group 2, and 76% for group 3 (p < 0.001). In both men and women with silent ischemia, the 12-year survival rate was related to the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and ranged from 79% for women with one-vessel CAD to 46% for men with three-vessel CAD. Survival at 12 years was enhanced by coronary artery bypass graft surgery as compared to medical treatment in patients with silent ischemia and three-vessel CAD for men (61% vs 46%, respectively, p = 0.0014) but not for women (45% vs 50%, respectively, p = 0.98). These data suggest that silent ischemia in women and men adversely affects survival rate and that men may gain more benefit from coronary artery bypass graft surgery than women when three-vessel CAD is present.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

Pulmonary artery pressure measurement during exercise testing in patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension.

It is recognized that exercise produces abnormally large increases in pulmonary artery pressure in patients with pulmonary vascular disease as a consequence of a variety of disorders, but the relationship between pressure and cardiopulmonary exercise performance is poorly understood. This lack of understanding is due (in part) to difficulty making measurements of pulmonary haemodynamics using conventional fluid filled catheters. This article seeks to improve understanding by comparing variables measured during formal exercise testing with simultaneous measurements of pulmonary artery pressure using a micro-manometer tipped catheter. Ten patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension were studied using a micromanometer tipped pulmonary artery catheter, during cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Ventilatory equivalents for oxygen and carbon dioxide correlated with the pulmonary artery pressure measured on exercise, but oxygen pulse and oxygen uptake did not. Ventilatory equivalents, noninvasively measured during exercise, may merit further study as potential surrogates of pulmonary artery pressure and hence be useful in identifying individuals at risk of developing pulmonary hypertension.

Adult↗

Silent myocardial ischemia in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus as judged by treadmill exercise testing and coronary angiography.

Patients with diabetes were compared with nondiabetic control subjects, with respect to the prevalence of silent myocardial ischemia, by means of treadmill exercise testing and coronary angiography. Results of treadmill exercise testing showed ischemic ST depression in 41 of the 132 diabetic patients (mean age 61 +/- 4 years) and in 42 of the 140 nondiabetic control subjects (mean age 60 +/- 8 years) (31% vs 30%, p = NS). Coronary angiography was performed in 36 of 41 diabetic patients and 34 of 42 nondiabetic control subjects with positive results of treadmill exercise tests, who gave their consent. Among "treadmill-positive" subjects, diabetic patients had a prevalence of silent myocardial ischemia that was 2.2 times higher than that in nondiabetic control subjects (p less than 0.05). Diabetic patients who received insulin had a 2.6 times higher prevalence of silent myocardial ischemia than those who did not (p less than 0.05). Similarly diabetic patients with retinopathy has a 2.5 times higher prevalence of silent myocardial ischemia than those without it (p less than 0.05).

Aged↗

Use of exercise test parameters to predict presence and duration of ambulatory ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease.

Myocardial ischemia is an indicator of adverse prognosis. In patients with stable angina and positive exercise tests, prolonged cumulative ischemia on ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring identifies a high-risk group with severe coronary artery disease and poor survival. To determine whether features of the exercise test can accurately (1) predict the occurrence of ambulatory ischemia, and (2) classify patients into subgroups at varying levels of risk for ambulatory ischemia, we studied 48 patients with a history of angina and documented coronary disease who underwent the standard Bruce protocol and ambulatory monitoring. All patients had a positive exercise treadmill test, and 26 had ischemia on Holter monitoring (total of 2,922 minutes, 173 episodes, 94% with silent ischemia). The remaining 22 patients did not have ischemia. The exercise test parameters showing significant differences between the 2 groups were (1) time to > or = 1 mm ST-segment depression (p < 0.0003), (2) maximal ST-segment depression (p < 0.004), and (3) exercise capacity (p < 0.037). These data were used to develop a model for predicting the presence and the severity of ambulatory ischemia. Time to onset of > or = 1 mm ST-segment depression and maximal ST-segment depression on exercise treadmill testing can be used to determine the likelihood of mild (1 to 5 episodes or lasting < or = 60 minutes) or severe prolonged (> 5 episodes or lasting > 60 minutes) ambulatory ischemia. Patients with a very high or very low probability of ischemia on Holter monitoring can be identified by certain exercise test parameters and may not need to undergo monitoring.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

[Results of electrocardiographic examinations and exercise tests in 18 year old male recruits (author's transl)].

Electrocardiographical changes in athletes and their prognostic significance are well documented. In untrained normal young adults however this subject is far less investigated. A similar deficiency exists in interpreting the results of exercise tests in young untrained people. In order to establish some normal values of important parameters of electrocardiogram and exercise testing in this population, we evaluated 298 electrocardiograms and 219 exercise test protocols as obtained by a draft board of the Austrian Army. All probands were 18-years-old males without special training. In contrast to athletes, sinusbradycardia, arrhythmia and extrasystoles are rare events in untrained young males. The QRS-axis most frequently was between 60 and 90 degrees. The upper limit of the normal range of the PR-interval was 0.18 sec and of the sum of Sv1 plus Rv5 5.6 mV. The amplitude of the T wave in V5 ranged from 2 to 46 percent of the amplitude of the R wave in this lead. As the most suitable exercise test for such a screening examination the physical working capacity at a heart rate of 170 (PWC 170) was chosen. The mean value of the PWC 170 was 186 +/- 50 watt, i.e. 2.7 +/- 0.7 watt x kg-1 body weight. Furthermore, the normal range of the working heart rate at 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 watt x kg-1 body weight and of the rise of systolic blood pressure during exercise were determined. This study suggests that electrocardiographical alterations are very rare in untrained young people (4.4 percent), and their detection should always be followed by an intensive cardiological examination. The assessment of the working capacity by means of the PCW 170-test may be useful in arranging special training programs and may help to avoid physical overload of young people.

Adult↗

[The maximum heart rate in the exercise test: the 220-age formula or Sheffield's table?].

OBJECTIVE: To determine in the maximum cardiac rate in exercise test of apparently healthy individuals may be more properly estimated through 220-age formula (Astrand) or the Sheffield table. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of clinical history and exercises test of apparently healthy individuals submitted to cardiac check-up. PARTICIPANTS: Sequential sampling of 170 healthy individuals submitted to cardiac check-up between April 1988 and September 1992. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Comparison of maximum cardiac rate of individuals studied by the protocols of Bruce and modified Bruce, in interrupted exercise test by fatigue, and with the estimated values by the formulae: 220-age versus Sheffield table. RESULTS: The maximum cardiac heart rate is similar with both protocols. This parameter in normal individuals is better predicted by the 220-age formula. CONCLUSIONS: The theoretic maximum cardiac heart rate determined by 220-age formula should be recommended for a healthy, and for this reason the Sheffield table has been excluded from our clinical practice.

Adult↗

Prognostic implications of results from exercise testing in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris treated with metoprolol or verapamil. A report from the Angina Prognosis Study In Stockholm (APSIS).

AIMS: To evaluate the prognostic implications of results from exercise testing, and of antianginal treatment among patients with chronic stable angina pectoris. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Out of 809 patients in the Angina Prognosis Study In Stockholm (APSIS), 731 (511 men) performed evaluable exercise tests before and after 1 month on double-blind treatment with metoprolol or verapamil. During a median follow-up of 40 months, 32 patients suffered a cardiovascular death and 29 a non-fatal myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Prognostic implications of results from exercise tests were assessed in a multivariate Cox model which included sex, previous myocardial infarction, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Maximal ST-segment depression, especially if >/=2 mm and occurring after exercise, as well as exercise duration independently predicted cardiovascular death. Similar results were obtained for the combined end-point of cardiovascular death+myocardial infarction. Among patients with a positive exercise test at baseline, verapamil reduced the maximal ST-depression more markedly than metoprolol (P<0. 01). However, when the treatment given and treatment effects on ST-segment depression were added to the Cox model, no impact on prognosis could be detected for either cardiovascular death alone or combined with myocardial infarction. Anginal pain carried no prognostic information. CONCLUSION: Marked ST-segment depression during and after exercise, and a low exercise capacity independently predicted an adverse outcome in patients with stable angina pectoris, whereas anginal symptoms had no predictive value. Short-term treatment effects on ischaemia did not seem to influence prognosis. Post-exercise ischaemia should be examined carefully when evaluating patients with stable angina pectoris.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Treadmill exercise testing in the presence of digitals therapy or nonspecific ST-T changes: correlation with coronary angiography.

Treadmill exercise test results were studied in 93 patients with chest pain who had received digitalis therapy or had nonspecific ST-T changes in the resting electrocardiogram. Results of the treadmill test were correlated with the findings of coronary angiography. A positive treadmill result was defined as horizontal or down-sloping ST segment depression greater than or equal to 1.0 mm. Of the 40 patients with no or insignificant coronary artery disease, 15 had taken digitalis; 4 of the 15 demonstrated a positive response on the treadmill test. Of the 53 patients with coronary artery disease, 21 had taken digitalis; 15 of the 21 displayed a positive response. Among the remaining 32 not on digitalis, 20 had a positive response. The specificity of the treadmill exercise test was 96% in patients with coronary artery disease not on digitalis and whose resting electrocardiogram showed nonspecific ST changes. The specificity of the treadmill test in patients who had received digitalis was 73%. Sensitivity was 63% and 71%, respectively. By utilizing more stringent criteria in the interpretation of the treadmill exercise test (greater than or equal to 1.5 mm ST depression), among the patients on digitalis only 6.7% (1/15) with normal coronary arteries and 48% (10/21) with coronary artery disease had a positive response. With the use of the latter criterion the test was specific in 93% (14/15) of the patients and is usually indicative of coronary artery disease.

Adult↗

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and exhaled nitric oxide in the assessment of patients with mitral stenosis.

AIM: In patients with mitral stenosis, symptoms do not always correlate with echocardiographic data. The aims of the study were to evaluate the role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in the assessment of patients with mitral stenosis and to quantify nitric oxide production at rest and at the end of exercise. METHODS: We evaluated 43 patients with moderate to severe mitral stenosis with a discrepancy between echocardiographic data and symptoms. Nitric oxide output was calculated by measuring nitric oxide concentration in the exhaled air at rest and at the end of exercise test. RESULTS: Patients were divided in 2 groups: group 1 with a functional capacity <75% at cardiopulmonary exercise test (VO2max in % of the predicted one) and group 2 with functional capacity >75%. Transvalvular gradient and pulmonary artery pressure were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (respectively 9.07 +/- 2.11 mmHg vs 6.01 +/- 1.08 mmHg, p<0.001 and 42.8 +/- 7.2 mmHg vs 33.1 +/- 4.7 mmHg, p<0.001). Patients of group 1 had a lower nitric oxide output at the end of exercise compared to group 2 (231.4 +/- 96.6 nl/min vs 326.3 +/- 74.0 ml/min, p=0.01) and to normal subjects (511.15 +/- 180.1 nl/min, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing provides objective non invasive information in the evaluation of patients with discrepancy between symptoms and echocardiographic data. Different levels of nitric oxide output during exercise suggest the role of nitric oxide in regulating pulmonary vascular tone.

Adult↗

[Holter monitoring of ECG and exercise tests in patients with ischemic heart disease on the stage of preparation for surgical revascularization of the myocardium].

One hundred and fifty-two patients aged from 30 to 82 years were examined. All the patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 -- patients with macrofocal scar alteration of the myocardium, group 2 -- patients with small-focus scar alteration of the ardium, group 3 -- patients without myocardial infarction. Increase of the number of patients with disturbances of cardiac rhythm of high gradations was seen in all groups of patients during exercise test and after-exercise period. These disturbances were first diagnosed in 15,6% patients of group 1, in 14% patients of group 2 and in 22% patients of group 3. It is concluded that exercise tests must be performed very carefully in patients with low tolerance to exercise. If there is combination of several risk factors, it is recommended to refuse exercise tests.

Adult↗

Significance of graft occlusion and coronary atherosclerosis 5 years after coronary artery bypass grafting. A quantitative angiographic study with serial exercise testing.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relative importance of graft occlusions and progression of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries as causes of the occurrence of angina pectoris and impairment of physical performance 5 years after coronary artery bypass surgery. DESIGN: A 5-year follow-up study. SETTING: University hospital in south-western Finland. SUBJECTS: Altogether, 174 consecutive electively operated bypass patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serial clinical evaluation and bicycle exercise tests (pre-operatively, at 6 months, and at 1 and 5 years). Quantitative coronary angiography pre-operatively and 5 years after the surgery. RESULTS: Subjects with patent grafts had fewer angina pectoris symptoms at the 5-year follow-up (24 vs. 52%, P = 0.001) and were treated less frequently with long-acting nitrates (3 vs. 15%, P = 0.037) than subjects with graft occlusions. Fewer of them were in classes II-III of the functional classification of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (39 vs. 74%, P = 0.001). The exercise test was interrupted less often because of chest pain (23 vs. 41%, P = 0.03) and improvement in exercise test variables during the follow-up period was significantly greater in subjects with patent grafts (P<0.002). Amongst patients without graft occlusions, those with new > or =50% diameter stenoses in coronary arteries were more often in functional classes II-III (59 vs. 32%, P = 0.03) than those without new stenoses, but the groups were similar with respect to angina pectoris and exercise tests variables. In patients with graft occlusions, those with and without new > or =50% diameter stenoses were similar with respect to functional class, angina pectoris and exercise test variables. CONCLUSIONS: Angina pectoris and impairment of physical capacity 5 years after coronary artery bypass grafting are mainly due to occlusion of bypass grafts and not to progression of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries.

Aged↗

Transient myocardial ischemia after a first acute myocardial infarction and its relation to clinical characteristics, predischarge exercise testing and cardiac events at one-year follow-up.

The relation between early out-of-hospital ambulatory ST-segment monitoring, clinical characteristics, predischarge maximal exercise testing and cardiac events was determined in 123 consecutive men (age 55 +/- 8 years) with a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI). During 36 hours of ambulatory recording 11 +/- 5 days after AMI 23 patients (19%) had 123 ischemic episodes (group 1), whereas 100 patients demonstrated no ischemia (group 2). Exercise-induced ST-segment depression was more prevalent in group 1 (83%) than in group 2 (47%) (p < 0.005). Group 1 patients also had more severe ischemia as judged from a shorter exercise duration before significant ST-segment depression (5.5 +/- 2.4 vs 7.7 +/- 4.1 minutes; p < 0.03) and more pronounced ST-segment depression on exercise testing (4.1 +/- 2.6 vs 2.6 +/- 1.6 mm; p < 0.03). Furthermore, exercise test results revealed an impaired hemodynamic response in group 1 compared with group 2: systolic blood pressure at maximal work load 160 +/- 31 vs 176 +/- 28 mm Hg (p < 0.025) and systolic blood pressure increase during exercise 41 +/- 24 vs 56 +/- 22 mm Hg (p < 0.01). With-in 368 +/- 8 days of follow-up the frequency of cardiac events (cardiac death, nonfatal reinfarction, and severe angina including the need of revascularization) was 52% in group 1 compared with 22% in group 2 (p < 0.01). Exercise-induced ischemia did not predict an adverse outcome: event rate 30 vs 25% in patients without residual ischemia (p = NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Echocardiography↗