P207 Adjunctive application of handgrip exercise associated with rapid pacing stress echocardiography in patients with implanted pacemakers

Abstract

Abstract The aim Assessment of safety, diagnostic, and prognostic value of a stress echocardiography protocol based on rapid pacing in patients with implanted permanent pacemakers and concomitant handgrip dynamometer method. There are no data in the literature on this type of modification of the stress test. Methods Rapid pacing stress echo tests with further handgrip were performed in 54 patients (33 females, aged 49-88, mean 72 +/- 8 years), using previously implanted permanent pacemakers. Left ventricular segmental contractility was assessed at rest, during 3 minutes pacing at the rate of 100/minutes, over 5 minutes at 85% of maximal age-predicted heart rate and then further at peak stage per 1 minute with the addition of a handgrip (compression of the dynamometer with a force equal to half the maximum strength of the patient measured before the test). The test was performed using only VVI pacing mode in 16 patients in whom atrial pacing was not possible. In the remaining 38 patients AAI/DDD pacing mode was initially used. Results No severe adverse effects were observed. Significant increase in heart rate comparing to baseline was achieved [74/minutes vs. 127/minutes (P < 00001)]. Wall motion score index increased significantly (from 1.07 vs. 1.15, p < 00001). During the handgrip stage, both systolic (p < 0.0005) and diastolic (p < 0.0001) blood pressure significantly increased. Among all surveys, 18 (33%) were considered positive, 36 (67%) negative. All the examinations were diagnostic. In 35 patients coronary angiography was performed (15 pts with test positive and 20 pts with test negative). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive, and negative predictive values for significant coronary stenosis were respectively: 61.6%, 68.2%, 65.3%, 53.3%, and 75%. For patients with DM2 the above values were: 83.3%, 85.7%, 84.6%, 83.3%, 85.7%. No statistical differences were observed depending on the type of the device or the use of beta blockers In patients with LMA stenosis test sensitivity was - 100%, with LAD – 62.5%, with CX - 75% and with RCA was 71.5%. Revasculization was required in 8 patiens with test positive and 3 with test negative (p = 0.01). During 6-moth follow-up there was no cardiac death, myocardial infarction or stroke . Conclusions The sensitivity and specificity of the stress test using the pacemaker and the handgrip method for all patients proved to be lower than the values obtained in other stress tests. However, the use of the handgrip method during stimulation caused an increase in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Such an extension makes the pacing stress echo test more physiological. Moreover the stress test using pacemaker and handgrip method proved to be safe and well-tolerated by patients. The prognostic value of the negative result of the study research using stimulation from the patient"s pacemaker and the handgrip method was high in the 6 month follow-up