The Response of the Normal and Abnormal Heart to Exercise

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Abstract
Comparison of the cardiac output and stroke volume of normal and abnormal individuals to the stress of multiple timed graded work loads revealed that the normal heart increases its output in direct proportion to the work performed. Increments of output are accomplished by augmentation of stroke volume as well as cardiac rate. Abnormal subjects fail to augment stroke volume to a significant degree: when serious cardiac disease is present stroke volume declines on exertion. A functional assessment of the heart is possible on the basis of these studies. An understanding of functional derangement, cardiac reserve, course and results of specific types of therapy may be derived from multiple determinations in individual subjects.