THE VALUE OF ELECTROCARDIOGRAM MONITORING DURING TREADMILL TESTING FOR PERIPHERAL VASCULAR-DISEASE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 89  (2) , 183-186
Abstract
In evaluating the arterial hemodynamics of the lower extremities in patients with peripheral vascular disease, the treadmill exercise test offers useful information concerning the peripheral circulation. The addition of ECG monitoring during the treadmill examination provides a method of estimating the effectiveness of coronary circulation. In 3 groups of patients studied, ECG monitoring during the treadmill exercise test revealed previously unsuspected arrhythmias and ischemia. The safety of the patient is enhanced. In patients followed through the operative period, there was a high correlation between exercise-induced ECG changes and perioperative cardiac problems. The value of ECG monitoring during treadmill testing is clear and offers predictive information to the surgeon contemplating a revascularization procedure.