Maximal exercise capability of children as a function of specific cardiac defects

Abstract

The results of a maximal exercise test are summarized for 288 patients with isolated cardiac lesions and 234 normal children. All groups of patients had significantly different scores from those of normal children, but each lesion had a characteristic pattern. Data are given for patients with aortic stenosis, tetralogy of Fallot, ostium primum and secundum atrial defects, patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defects, pulmonary stenosis, coarctation of the aorta, and insufficiency of the mitral or aortic valve. The results are presented graphically in a manner that permits comparison of a given child to others with similar defects and to normal children. It is suggested that the maximal endurance test may be helpful in selecting catheterization candidates for special investigations and in following the clinical courses of certain patients.