Submaximal Treadmill Exercise Evaluation in Patients with Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease: An Aid to Rehabilitation and Re-Employment

Abstract

The potential benefits of submaximal treadmill exercise testing were evaluated in 250 patients. The exercise endpoint was angina pectoris with a positive test for ischemic heart disease in 27 of 250 (10.8 percent) and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia in two patients. An increase in premature ventricular contractions developed in 32 of 250 patients (12.8 percent) and 18 of 250 patients (7.2 percent) developed more supraventricular ectopic contractions. In 152 patients referred for undiagnosed chest pain, having been considered physically disabled, 100 (65 percent) returned to active work. Of 52 patients with arrhythmias either detected or increased in frequency by testing all but three returned to more activity. It is concluded that submaximal treadmill exercise testing is useful in detecting ischemia and arrhythmias in patients with cardiovascular symptoms and aids in returning many patients to more physical activity. The potential benefits of submaximal treadmill exercise testing were evaluated in 250 patients. The exercise endpoint was angina pectoris with a positive test for ischemic heart disease in 27 of 250 (10.8 percent) and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia in two patients. An increase in premature ventricular contractions developed in 32 of 250 patients (12.8 percent) and 18 of 250 patients (7.2 percent) developed more supraventricular ectopic contractions. In 152 patients referred for undiagnosed chest pain, having been considered physically disabled, 100 (65 percent) returned to active work. Of 52 patients with arrhythmias either detected or increased in frequency by testing all but three returned to more activity. It is concluded that submaximal treadmill exercise testing is useful in detecting ischemia and arrhythmias in patients with cardiovascular symptoms and aids in returning many patients to more physical activity.