THE IMPORTANCE OF ADEQUATE EXERCISE IN THE DETECTION OF CORONARY HEART-DISEASE BY RADIONUCLIDE VENTRICULOGRAPHY

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 21  (12) , 1125-1130
Abstract
Rest and exercise radionuclide ventriculograms were obtained on 77 symptomatic patients without prior documented coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary artery disease was present by angiograms in 48. Radionuclide ventriculography (RNV) was abnormal in 41 patients (overall sensitivity 85%). In 29 patients with normal coronary arteries, RNV was normal in 24 (specificity 83%). To determine if the exercise level affects sensitivity, the studies were graded for adequacy of exercise. It was considered adequate if patients developed chest pain or ST segment depression of at least 1 mm or if they achieved a pressure rate product > 250. Among the 48 patients with coronary artery disease, 35 achieved adequate exercise and 33 had an abnormal RNV (sensitivity 94%). In 13 patients who failed to achieve adequate exercise, RNV was abnormal in 8 (sensitivity of only 62%). Some patients with coronary artery disease may have a normal ventricular response at inadequate levels of stress.