Dysrhythmia detection in myocardial revascularization surgery patients.

Abstract

Dysrhythmia detection in myocardial revascularization surgery patients. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 281-286, 1983. In order to document the type and prevalence of significant dysrhythmias in myocardial revascularization surgery patients, cardiac electrical activity was recorded during graded exercise testing, 24-h ambulatory electrocardiography, and electrocardiographic-monitored exercise training. Patients participated in a cardiac rehabilitation program that began approximately 2 wk post-surgery, and attended three monitored exercise sessions per week for 12 consecutive weeks. Graded exercise testing and 24-h ambulatory electrocardiography were administered in the second and eighth weeks of the study (weeks 1 and 6 of the exercise program) post-surgery. Eighty-eight percent of the patients exhibited significant dysrhythmias. A greater number of significant dysrhythmias were found during the second 6 wk of the study in comparison with the first 6 wk. Graded exercise testing was not as effective as ambulatory electrocardiography and monitored exercise training in dysrhythmia detection. Not all dysrhythmias were detected by any one technique, thus a combination of methods may be best for optimal surveillance and detection.