R wave changes during serial exercise testing in coronary patients are reproducible but have low diagnostic sensitivity
Romeo, F.; Schiariti, M.; Pannarale, G.; Ciolli, A.; Vicchio, D.; Valente, A.; Barrillà, F.; Reale, A.; Maschietti, A.
Cardiologia 31(3): 205-208
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-1978 PMID: 3791312 Document Number: 268529
The reproducibility of R wave changes during serial exercise testing was assessed in 15 male coronary patients. The patients, all with chronic stable effort angina and angiographically documented coronary lesions, underwent 75 serial exercise tests at the bicycle ergometer. Fifty-nine tests (78.7%) resulted in no change or an increase in R wave amplitude (positive responses, Group A). Sixteen tests (21.3%) resulted in a decrease in R wave amplitude (negative responses, Group B). The directional R wave changes were reproducible in 13 patients (86.6%). ST segment depression response was reproducible in all patients. There were no differences in the percentage changes of stroke volume, velocity ejection index and ventricular ejection timne, assessed by bioimpedance monitoring (nccom 2 BoMedR) in Group A as compared to Group B patients. Peak exercise heart rate and double product were higher in Group A (HR p < 0.003; DP p < 0.009). We conclude that reproducibility of R wave directional response to exercise is satisfactory; it is not related with the investigated noninvasive parameters, having a probable ischemic meaning, but less sensitive than ST segment depression.