Negative Treadmill Exercise Test Research Articles

Incremental prognostic value of combined information of arterial stiffness and the result of treadmill exercise test in patients with suspected coronary artery disease

Abstract Background The effectiveness of diagnostic tools can be enhanced by their combination. We aimed to investigate whether arterial stiffness data, obtained by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement, could improve prognostic value to exercise treadmill test (ETT) to predict future cardiovascular events. Methods A total of 1,788 consecutive subjects (mean age 55.8 ± 10.7 years, 59.1% men) with suspected of having coronary artery disease (CAD), who underwent ETT and baPWV on the same day were prospectively recruited. The study outcome was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization and ischemic stroke. Results During a mean follow-up period of 875 days (interquartile range, 116–2,212 days), there were 88 cases of MACCE (4.9%). The elevated baPWV (≥ 1,440 cm/s) (hazard ratio [HR] 5.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.68–10.0; P < 0.001) and positive ETT result (HR 2.81; 95% CI 1.77–4.47; P < 0.001) were associated with MACCE even after adjustment for potential confounders. The combination of baPWV to traditional risk factors and ETT result further stratified the subjects’ risk (low baPWV and negative ETT result vs. high baPVW and positive ETT result; HR 16.44; 95% CI 6.17–43.78; P < 0.001). Conclusions Arterial stiffness, assessed by baPWV, had incremental prognostic value to ETT result in patients with suspected of CAD. baPWV can serve as a useful clinical tool for risk stratification in this high-risk patient population.Kaplan-Meier survival curveMultivariable cox analysis

Unveiling diagnostic prowess: a comparative study of exercise treadmill test and CT coronary in coronary artery disease detection in Pakistan (2021-2023).

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a global health concern, with diagnostic modalities and risk factors that exhibit regional variations. This study, conducted at the Islamabad Diagnostic Center, Pakistan, aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of CAD prevalence, severity, and associated risk factors, while also evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of Computed Tomography Coronary Test (CTT) and Exercise Treadmill Test (ETT) in a cohort of 2909 patients. Among the patients assessed via CT Coronary scans, CAD was universally observed, presenting with varying degrees of severity. Our findings indicated that 24.5% of patients had mild CAD, 28.6% exhibited mild to moderate CAD, 16.3% were diagnosed with moderate CAD, 18.4% demonstrated moderate to severe CAD, and 20.4% displayed severe CAD. This spectrum underscores the diverse nature of CAD within the study population. In addition to CTT, we conducted a detailed evaluation of ETT results in 49 patients. These results revealed that 55.1% of patients tested positive for ischemia during the exercise test, emphasizing the prevalence of cardiac stress and underlying CAD. Conversely, 32.7% of patients exhibited negative ETT results, indicating favorable cardiac tolerance during physical activity. A subset of patients yielded non-diagnostic or inconclusive results, necessitating further clinical assessment. Disease history analysis showed a dichotomy within the cohort, with 20.4% having a known medical history and 79.6% possessing an unknown disease history, highlighting the importance of comprehensive medical records in clinical practice. Hypertension, a critical cardiovascular risk factor, was identified in 87.8% of patients, underscoring its significance. Smoking history displayed notable variation, with 69.4% categorized as smokers, 14.3% as ex-smokers, and 10.2% as non-smokers. Lipid profile analysis indicated that 69.4% of patients had abnormal lipid levels. To assess the diagnostic accuracy of CTT and ETT, we calculated Positive Predictive Values (PPV) and Negative Predictive Values (NPV). CTT exhibited a PPV of approximately 5.99% and an NPV of approximately 4.40%, whereas ETT displayed a higher PPV of around 26.44% and a substantially higher NPV of about 49.24%. This study offers valuable insights into CAD prevalence, severity, and associated risk factors in a Pakistani cohort, emphasizing the importance of holistic risk assessment and tailored interventions in clinical practice. Our findings also highlight the diagnostic utility of ETT in CAD assessment.

Exercise Treadmill Test in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

Abstract There is a concern regarding the high incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 since it is a leading cause of mortality in those patients. Exercise treadmill test (ETT) is proposed as a suitable, non-invasive method for identifying asymptomatic patients with ischemic changes, who would benefit from pharmacological treatment, thus contributing to a reduction of adverse cardiovascular events. Therefore the objective of our study was to evaluate myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic patients with DM type 2 by performing ETT. The present investigation was conducted in Health Center Pozega during the year 2018. 40 insulin-dependent, aged 33.05 ± 2.01 years, with DM type 2 were included in the study. They had nor history nor symptoms of cardiac disease. All patients underwent ETT according to Bruce protocol, while 12-lead ECG was recorded and blood pressure was monitored. All patients had negative ETT results. Also no ST segment depression, no signs of insufficiency of peripheral circulation, no changes in heart rhythm, no symptoms by the central nervous system were observed. Additionally response of heart rate and blood pressure to exercise was within physiological range. These promising findings indicate that diabetes didn’t alter myocardial integrity and function, thus suggesting that coronary reserve in examined patients was preserved.

P5466Exaggerated exercise blood pressure response is accompanied by increased sympathetic activity and arterial stiffness in subjects with high normal blood pressure

Abstract Background/Introduction The clinical importance of a hypertensive response to exercise (HRE) in subjects with high normal blood pressure (BP) is not fully elucidated, while sympathetic overactivity and arterial stiffening are linked with adverse cardiovascular prognosis. Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the relation of HRE with sympathetic drive as assessed by muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and arterial stiffness in subjects with high normal BP. Methods 42 subjects with high normal office BP [defined as office systolic BP=130–139 mmHg and office diastolic BP=85–89 mmHg (age: 53±9 years, 29 males, office BP: 134/84 mmHg, 24-hour BP: 114/72 mmHg)] with a negative treadmill exercise test (Bruce protocol) were divided into those with HRE (n=12) (peak exercise systolic BP ≥210mmHg in men and ≥190 mmHg in women) and those without HRE (n=30). Arterial stiffness was evaluated on the basis of carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) values. In all participants sympathetic drive was assessed by MSNA estimations based on established methodology (microneurography). Results Subjects with a HRE compared to those without exhibited higher waist circumference (108.2±5.3 vs 94.7±9.2 cm, p=0.001) and were characterized by greater levels of carotid to femoral PWV (8.5±0.8 vs 7.0±0.9 m/sec, p<0.001) and sympathetic nerve traffic as reflected by MSNA levels (41.1±1.5 vs 32.1±1.9 bursts per 100 heart beats, p<0.001), while did not differ regarding metabolic profile and left ventricular mass index (p=NS). In the total population, peak exercise systolic BP was related to 24-h systolic BP (r=0.229, p<0.05), PWV (r=0.218, p=0.002), and MSNA (r=0.214, p<0.05). Moreover, MSNA was related to waist circumference (r=0.33, p=0.004) and office systolic BP levels (r=0.31, p<0.05) but there was no association with PWV values (p=NS). Conclusion In subjects with high normal BP, a HRE identifies a state of arterial stiffening and sympathetic overdrive, as reflected by increased PWV and MSNA levels respectively. These finding suggest that exercise testing provides additional clinical information regarding the vascular status and modulation of sympathetic tone in this setting.

A study on modified accelerated diagnostic protocol to safely discharge low-risk chest pain patients in emergency department

Background: Evaluation of chest pain patients in emergency departments to distinguish between high-risk patients who require admission and low-risk patients who can be managed as outpatients is a challenging task. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Observation Ward Short Stay Evaluation Service for Chest Pain Protocol to identify and safely discharge low-risk patients with low incidence of major adverse cardiac events within 30 days. Methods: This was a single center prospective observational study, conducted from 1 March 2016 to 31 August 2016 at the Emergency and Trauma Department, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur. Observation Ward Short Stay Evaluation Service for Chest Pain Protocol was used to evaluate patients presented with chest pain or angina equivalents. The components involved Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score, serial electrocardiograms, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and exercise treadmill test. Low-risk patients were patients with TIMI < 2, normal serial electrocardiogram, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T ≤ 14 ng/L, and negative exercise treadmill test. If anyone of the components was not fulfilled patients were considered as high risk, and they were either admitted or referred to clinic for further intervention. Low-risk patients were allowed for discharged. All patients were followed-up in 30 days for any incidence of major adverse cardiac events. Results: Totally, 174 patients were studied. Observation Ward Short Stay Evaluation Service for Chest Pain Protocol managed to discharge 102 (58.6%) patients, and 84 (82.4%) of them underwent exercise treadmill test. About 46 (54.8%) patients had negative exercise treadmill test, whereas 38 (45.2%) patients had either positive or inconclusive exercise treadmill test, and they were referred to physician clinic for further cardiac assessment. None of the patients with negative exercise treadmill test developed major adverse cardiac events in 30 days. The sensitivity and the negative predictive value (NPV) of Observation Ward Short Stay Evaluation Service for Chest Pain Protocol were both 100%. Conclusion: Observation Ward Short Stay Evaluation Service for Chest Pain Protocol can be applied in emergency departments to identify and safely discharge patients with low risk of major adverse cardiac events in 30 days.

Left atrial volume and function in patients with cardiac syndrome X assessed by real time three-dimensional echocardiography.

The aim of this study was to evaluate left atrial (LA) volume and function using real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) in patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX). Fifty patients with CSX (28 females; mean age 50.9±10.9years) and 50 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (30 females; mean age 52.3±9.8years) who had negative treadmill exercise test and normal coronary arteries on invasive coronary angiography were included in the study. Comprehensive two-dimensional (2D), pulsed and tissue Doppler, speckle tracking echocardiography, and RT3DE for the assessment of LA dynamics were performed in all study participants. Cardiac syndrome X and control groups have similar clinical characteristics regarding age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking habit. 2D echocardiographic parameters were also similar between groups. Pulsed- and tissue Doppler parameters, IVRT, A, and Am values, were higher in CSX group, while Em , E/A, and Em /Am ratios were higher in the control group reflecting mild diastolic dysfunction. Regarding RT3DE parameters, LA maximum volume, minimum volume, volume before atrial contraction, LA maximum volume index, total and active stroke volumes were found to be increased in CSX patients. However, LA total stroke fraction, passive stroke volume, passive stroke fraction, peak systolic, and diastolic longitudinal strains were found to be lower in CSX patients. The main finding of this study was that CSX patients had altered LA booster pump, reservoir, and conduit functions. This finding may have clinical implications for early detection of abnormal LA dynamics in CSX patients.

The Significance of Equivocal Exercise Treadmill ECG for Intermediate Risk Chest Pain Assessment – Insight From Coronary CT Angiography Data

Exercise treadmill test (ETT) is commonly the first-line investigation in troponin-negative chest pain patients. Inconclusive results are common and often lead to repeated functional testings. Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has excellent negative predictive value for coronary artery disease detection and may play an important role in their diagnostic workup. We aim to analyse ETT and CCTA findings to understand their modern roles in intermediate risk chest pain population with inconclusive ETT. Patients who underwent both ETT and CCTA at our institution between August 2011 and February 2013 were retrospectively investigated. The ETTs were blindly reviewed, with equivocal ETTs defined as any indeterminate results not strictly adhering to ACC/AHA guidelines for positive ETT. Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics and investigation results were collated. Follow-up outcome data for subsequent investigations, representations, major cardiac adverse events (MACE) and unexpected revascularisations were also analysed. 346 consecutive patients were identified (age 57±10years, 53% females, body mass index (BMI) 28±4, Dukes Clinical Score 48±30%, mean follow-up 2.1±0.4years). The ETT was positive in 31%, equivocal in 54% and negative in 15%. Obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence was 25% (29% males, 13% females). Those with negative ETTs had obstructive CAD in 8%, with no adverse outcomes during follow-up. Obstructive CAD was seen in 20% with "equivocal" ETTs and 29% with "positive" ETTs. In females, obstructive CAD prevalence was low, and similar in those with equivocal or positive ETT (16% and 11% respectively). In males, obstructive CAD was almost 50% in those with positive ETT (p=0.005). Obstructive CAD was found in one in five "equivocal" ETTs, hence, not all should be considered negative. Obstructive CAD was only found in one in three "positive" ETTs, hence not all should proceed to invasive angiography. CCTA may be an important gatekeeper test in those with low-intermediate pre-test probability of obstructive CAD.

Comparison of exercise treadmill test, flow mediated dilatation, and inflammation in individuals with low risk of adverse cardiovascular events

Abstract Background The relationship between endothelial dysfunction, a risk factor for coronary artery disease, and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population is not well known. Objectives To determine the utility of an exercise treadmill test (ETT) combined with inflammatory markers to show endothelial dysfunction for individuals with a low risk of adverse cardiovascular (CV) events. Methods Biomarkers of inflammation (lipoprotein-related phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)) and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction (nitric oxide, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), and sialic acid) were assessed in 60 apparently healthy patients with a positive (+) or negative (−) ETT and across endothelial function assessed by flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and Lp-PLA2 tertiles. Results Lp-PLA2 levels were increased in ETT (−) compared with ETT (+) patients. Half of ETT (−) patients were found to have levels of Lp-PLA2 in the highest tertile. There was a significant inverse relationship between ETT and inflammatory biomarkers when adjusted for age, Lp-PLA2 (r = −0.28, P = 0.04), or hs-CRP (r = −0.35, P = 0.01). No differences were found for biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction. All variables were reassessed across FMD tertiles. Total lipids, Ox-LDL, triglyceride, and Lp-PLA2 were higher for the lowest FMD tertile. Conclusion The elevation of Lp-PLA2 in ETT (−) patients and the inverse relationship with inflammatory biomarkers, suggest that ETT cannot address endothelial dysfunction for individuals with apparently low risk of adverse CV events, and cannot be used for risk stratification of the general population.

Value of index of microcirculatory resistance in the diagnosis of cardiac syndrome X

Objective To explore the correlation between the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and the corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC) in patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX), and to discuss the value of IMR in the diagnosis of CSX. Methods This study selected 28 patients with positive treadmill exercise test (CSX group), and another 28 patients with negative treadmill exercise test (normal control group). First, the baseline CTFC (B-CTFC), and hyperemic CTFC (H-CTFC) were measured. The ratio of B-CTFC and H-CTFC was recorded as CFRCTFC. IMR was calculated by method of thermodilution. Results Proportion of patients with hypertension and diabetes in CSX group was significantly higher than that of normal control group (75% vs 46.4%, 60.7% vs 28.6%, P<0.05). IMR in the CSX group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (39.5±27.6 vs 16.1±5.9, P<0.01). H-CTFC in the CSX group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (13.0±4.2 vs 9.5±2.4, P<0.01). CFRCTFCin the CSX group was significantly lower than that in the normal group (2.0±0.5 vs 2.6±0.5, P<0.01). IMR has significant correlation with CFRCTFC (r=-0.62, P<0.01). Conclusions IMR has a notable association with CFRCTFC calculated from CTFC.IMR can provide clinical application in the evaluation of coronary microcirculation dysfunction, and can be used in the diagnosis of CSX. Key words: Capillary resistance; Microcirculation; Microvascular angina/DI

Negative Treadmill Exercise Test does not Rule out Coronary Artery Disease

Negative Treadmill Exercise Test does not Rule out Coronary Artery Disease

Exercise treadmill tests in patients with low cardiovascular risk: are we wasting our time?

INTRODUCTION The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of exercise treadmill testing for patients with low cardiovascular risk is unclear. This is due to the low incidence of coronary artery disease in this population and the potential for false-positive results leading to additional invasive and expensive investigation. AIM To investigate the value of exercise treadmill testing (ETT) as a predictor of coronary artery disease in patients with different levels of cardiovascular risk. METHODS An observational study was completed on an outpatient population from a chest pain clinic (n = 529). Cross-tabulations and binary logistic regressions were used to examine relationships between variables. RESULTS A negative ETT result was recorded for 72.5% of patients with low cardiovascular risk compared to 54.3% of those with moderate or high risk. Within the low cardiovascular risk group, patients with symptoms atypical for cardiac ischaemia were 11.1-fold more likely to have a negative ETT result. Of the patients with positive or equivocal ETT results, coronary artery disease was subsequently confirmed in only 23.1% of the low cardiovascular risk group compared to 77.2% of those with moderate or high cardiovascular risk. DISCUSSION Results show low cardiovascular risk patients are significantly more likely to return negative ETT results, particularly when associated with atypical symptoms. Similarly, positive or equivocal ETTs in this group are significantly more likely to be false positives. This suggests the ETT is not efficacious in predicting coronary artery disease in patients with low cardiovascular risk. Is it therefore appropriate to offer exercise testing to this cohort or should alternative management strategies be considered?

The significance of early post-exercise ST segment normalization

BackgroundThe persistence of ST segment depression in recovery signifies a strongly positive exercise treadmill test (ETT). However, it is unclear if early recovery of ST segments portends a similar prognosis. We sought to determine if persistence of ST depression into recovery correlates with ischemic burden based on myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 853 consecutive patients referred for exercise MPI at a tertiary academic center over a 24-month period. Patients were stratified into three groups based on the results of the ETT: normal (negative ETT), persistence (positive ETT with >1mm ST segment depression at 1minute in recovery) and early normalization (positive ETT with <1mm ST segment depression at 1minute in recovery). Summed stress scores (SSSs) were calculated then for each patient, while the coronary anatomy was reported for the subset of patients who received coronary angiograms. ResultsA total of 513 patients had a negative ETT, 235 patients met criteria for early normalization, while 105 patients met criteria for persistence. The persistence group had a significantly greater SSS (8.48±7.77) than both the early normalization (4.34±4.98, p<0.001) and normal (4.47±5.31, p<0.001) groups. The SSSs of the early normalization and normal groups were not statistically different and met the prespecified non-inferiority margin (mean difference 0.12, −0.66=lower 95% CI, p<0.001). Among the 87 patients who underwent an angiogram, significant three-vessel or left main disease was seen in 39.3% of the persistence group compared with 5.9% of normal and 7.4% of early normalization groups. ConclusionAmong patients with an electrically positive ETT, recovery of ST segment depression within 1minute was associated with a lower SSS than patients with persistence of ST depression beyond 1minute. Furthermore, early ST segment recovery conferred a similar SSS to patients with a negative ETT. These results suggest that among patients evaluated for chest pain with a positive ETT, early recovery of the ST segment during recovery is associated with a significantly less ischemic burden on subsequent MPI and thus may represent a false positive finding in exercise treadmill testing.

Is an exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise in hypertensive patients a benign phenomenon or a dangerous alarm?

A hypertensive response to exercise is associated with high cardiovascular risk, whereas scarce data are available about its relation to surrogates of subclinical atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction and intima-media thickness (IMT) have been demonstrated in atherosclerotic patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between a hypertensive response to exercise and IMT as well as endothelial function as surrogates of subclinical atherosclerosis. A total of 52 untreated males with stage I essential hypertension and a negative treadmill exercise test for exercise-induced myocardial ischemia were divided into two groups: group I which included 21 patients with a hypertensive response to exercise (peak exercise systolic blood pressure ≥210 mm Hg) and group II which included 31 individual with normal blood pressure response. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and dilatation ratio (as markers of endothelial function) and measurements of carotid IMT were done for both groups. Group I patients showed significant reduction in FMD (5.61 ± 5.25 vs 10.52 ± 4.78, p = 0.026) and dilatation ratio (50.28 ± 26.03 vs 94.8 ± 40.06, p < 0.001) compared to group II. Moreover, Group I patients also showed significant increase in IMT compared to group II (0.102 ± 0.033 vs 0.089 ± 0.03, p = 0.047). Hypertensive response to exercise in patients with untreated stage I essential hypertension is associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased carotid IMT. It seems that this phenomenon is not a benign one but rather a dangerous alarm.

Comparison of the Use of Downstream Tests After Exercise Treadmill Testing by Cardiologists Versus Noncardiologists

Although exercise treadmill testing (ETT) is a useful initial test for patients with suspected cardiovascular (CV) disease, there is concern regarding the use of downstream imaging tests especially in the setting of equivocal or positive ETTs. Patients with no history of coronary artery disease who underwent ETT between 2009 and 2010 were prospectively included. Referring physicians were categorized as cardiologists and noncardiologists. Downstream tests included nuclear perfusion imaging, coronary computed tomography angiography, stress echocardiography, stress magnetic resonance, and invasive coronary angiography performed up to 6 months after the ETT. Patients were followed for CV death, myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization for a median of 2.7 years. Among 3,656 patients, the ETT were negative in 2,876 (79%), positive in 132 (3.6%), and inconclusive in 643 (18%). Cardiologists ordered less downstream tests than noncardiologists (9.5% vs 12.2%, p=0.02), with less noninvasive tests (5.9% vs 10.4%, p<0.0001) and more invasive angiography (3.6% vs 1.8%, p<0.0001). After adjustment for confounding, patients evaluated by cardiologists were less likely to undergo additional testing after equivocal (odds ratio: 0.65, p=0.02) or positive ETT results (odds ratio: 0.39, p=0.02), whereas after negative ETT, the odds ratio was 1.7 (p=0.06). There was no difference in the rate of adverse CV events between patients referred by cardiologists versus noncardiologists. In conclusion, patients referred for ETT by cardiologists are less likely to undergo additional testing, particularly noninvasive tests, than those referred by noncardiologists. The lower rate of tests is driven by a lower rate of tests after positive or inconclusive ETT.

Elderly Patients and Coronary Heart Disease on Response to Treadmill Exercise Test

To study the response of the cardiovascular system, to exercise tolerance in-patients over 75 years old with coronary heart disease (CHD), and to evaluate the significance of the parameters of the treadmill exercise test (TET). 110 patients received TET and coronary artery angiography. They were divided into two groups: the elderly patients group included 50 patients over 75 years old, and the control group included 60 patients under 60 years old. (1) With aging, there were much more CHD patients in the positive TET (P < 0.05) than in the negative TET (P > 0.05). (2) The parameters of TET for the elderly CHD patients group, included exercise time, peak heart rate, and the onset of ST depression, were lower than the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical significance between the two groups in the extent and duration of ST depression (P < 0.05). (1) In TET, the elderly patients had the higher diagnostic value on CHD. (2) The elderly patients with CHD had the lower endurance to exercise test.

Clinical value and severity of myocardial perfusion defects in asymptomatic diabetic patients with negative or weakly positive exercise treadmill test.

Objective:Although coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in type 2 diabetic patients, it is frequently asymptomatic. Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is reported to show ischemia in a significant number of asymptomatic diabetic patients. We studied the prevalence and severity of myocardial perfusion defects in asymptomatic diabetic patients and its clinical impact.Methods and patients:One hundred thirty consecutive asymptomatic patients, aged 35-65 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus and with no history of CAD and no cardiac symptoms were recruited in the study. Echocardiography, electrocardiography (ECG), routine laboratory tests and exercise treadmill test (ETT) were performed and patients with weakly positive or negative ETT underwent Dipyridamole MPI. Patients with positive ETT were referred to coronary angiography. Patients were followed for at least 17 months (mean 21.7 months) and any cardiac event was recorded.Results:We studied 81 female and 49 male patients with mean age of 51.8 years. Negative, weakly positive and positive ETT result was noted in 74.3%, 15% and 10.7% respectively. 75% of patients with positive ETT had coronary artery disease in angiography. Gated myocardial perfusion SPECT was done in 106 patients. MPI showed reversible defect in 26.9% of the patients with a mean summed stress score of 3.3±1.8. Follow up completed in 112 patients and only one patient with abnormal MPI underwent coronary angiography followed by PTCA. No cardiac death, MI, UA or hospital admission occurred among our patients during follow up (17-26 months). Mean stress end diastolic volume (EDV) was significantly higher in patients with reversible defect compared to patients without reversible defect based on MPI findings (62.0±31.6 Vs 48.5±18.4 ml, P=0.04). Blood glucose and HbA1c were significantly higher in patients with ischemia compared to patients without ischemia (P<0.05). Meanwhile the ratio of TG to HDL was 6.06±3.2 in ischemic patients compared to 4.8±2.3 in normal subjects (P=0.03).Conclusion:Reversible defects are commonly seen in myocardial perfusion SPECT in asymptomatic diabetic patients and are mild in severity and not associated with adverse cardiac events. Routine approach for detection of CAD beginning with ETT seems to be appropriate in these patients.

Exercise Treadmill Test in Detecting Asymptomatic Coronary Artery Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundThe present study was designed to develop criteria for screening patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsA total of 213 patients with T2DM without typical angina or chest pain were studied between 2002 and 2007. We also evaluated 53 patients with T2DM who had reported chest discomfort using an exercise treadmill test (ETT).ResultsThirty-one of the 213 asymptomatic patients had positive ETT results. We performed coronary angiography on 23 of the 31 patients with a positive ETT and found that 11 of them had significant coronary stenosis. The main differences between the patients with significant stenosis and those with a negative ETT were age (63.1±9.4 vs. 53.7±10.1 years, P=0.008) and duration of diabetes (16.0±7.5 vs. 5.5±5.7 years, P<0.001). The positive predictive value (PPV) of the ETT was calculated to be 47.8%. The PPV of the ETT increased to 87.5% in elderly patients (≥60 years) with a long duration of diabetes (≥10 years). The latter value is similar to that of patients with T2DM who presented with chest discomfort or exertional dyspnea. The PPV of the ETT in symptomatic patients was 76.9%.ConclusionIn the interest of cost-effectiveness, screening for asymptomatic CAD could be limited to elderly patients with a duration of diabetes ≥10 years.

Exercise Blood Pressure Response, Albuminuria, and Arterial Stiffness in Hypertension

Background A hypertensive response to exercise is associated with high cardiovascular risk, whereas the data about its relation to surrogates of subclinical atherosclerosis are scarce. We investigated the relationships of a hypertensive response to exercise with urinary albumin excretion and arterial stiffness in hypertensives. Methods There were 171 untreated males (mean age 52 years, all Caucasian) with stage I-II essential hypertension and a negative treadmill exercise test divided into those with a hypertensive response to exercise (n = 48) (peak exercise systolic blood pressure ≥210 mm Hg) and to those with normal blood pressure response (n = 123). Albumin-to-creatinine ratio values were determined as the mean of 3 nonconsecutive morning spot urine samples, and arterial stiffness was evaluated on the basis of carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity. Results Patients with a hypertensive response to exercise compared with those with normal blood pressure response exhibited greater log albumin-to-creatinine ratio (1.52 ± 0.59 vs 0.97 ± 0.33 mg/g) and higher pulse wave velocity (8.7 ± 1.6 vs 7.7 ± 1.2 m/s), independent of potentially confounding demographic and clinical factors. Resting systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.16), body mass index (OR 1.12, 95% CI, 1.02-1.23), resting heart rate (OR 0.96, 95% CI, 0.93-0.99), and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (OR 7.45, 95% CI, 2.54-21.83) were independently associated with a hypertensive response to exercise. Conclusion A hypertensive response to exercise is related to augmented albumin-to-creatinine ratio and arterial stiffness, reflecting accelerated subclinical atherosclerosis. The association of albumin excretion with exercise blood pressure response suggests that albuminuria constitutes an important factor in the interpretation of the hypertensive response to exercise-associated risk.

In Search of the False‐negative Exercise Treadmill Testing Evidence‐based Use of Exercise Echocardiography

Controversy exists regarding the role of exercise treadmill testing (ETT) versus exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) as the appropriate initial noninvasive test to risk-stratify patients with chest pain. The majority of studies to date that evaluated these methodologies included patients with poor functional status and baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, potentially limiting the sensitivity of ETT. We examined the hypothesis that given stringent standards of exercise duration and ECG interpretability, the ETT would have a high diagnostic sensitivity for the presence of significant coronary artery disease (CAD). Results of concurrent ETT and ESE in 3,098 patients were examined, and the subset of patients with a negative ETT and positive ESE (-ETT/ + ESE) were reviewed for the presence of CAD as a function of exercise duration (< or > or = 6 min) and baseline ECG normality. In those patients with a - ETT/ + ESE who exercised > or = 6 min, 54 had a normal baseline ECG, 22 underwent angiography and 6 had CAD (all of whom had either small, grafted or collateralized vessels). Patients with a - ETT/ + ESE who were incapable of exercising 6 min were more frequently older and female. Mortality was significantly greater in the < 6 min exercise duration group (31.4 versus 3.1%). These findings support the use of the ETT without imaging as the initial test in patients with chest pain who have a normal baseline ECG and are able to exercise 6 min. Using these criteria, false negative findings are generally seen in patients without critical large vessel epicardial disease. The ESE should be reserved as the initial test for patients with an abnormal baseline ECG or reduced functional capacity.

Abstract 3109: Exaggerated Blood Pressure Response During Treadmill Test is Accompanied by a State of Pronounced Albuminuria, Hypoadiponectinemia and Increased Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels in Essential Hypertension

Introduction: A hypertensive response to exercise (HRE) is associated with high cardiovascular risk, whereas the data regarding its relation to markers of atherosclerosis progression are currently scarce. Hypothesis: Urinary albumin excretion, expressed as the albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels, and adiponectin may be correlated with HRE in essential hypertensives. Methods: Our population of 109 newly diagnosed untreated non-diabetics with stage I to II essential hypertension [76 men, mean age =52 years, office blood pressure (BP) = 146/94 mmHg] with a negative treadmill exercise test (Bruce protocol) were divided into those with HRE (n=34) (peak exercise systolic BP ≥ 210mmHg in men and ≥190 mmHg in women) and to those without HRE (n=75). In all subjects ACR values were determined as the mean of two non-consecutive morning spot urine samples and venous blood samples were drawn for estimation of adiponectin and ADMA concentrations. Results: Patients with HRE compared to those without HRE were older (55 ± 9 vs 51 ± 9 years, p&lt;0.05), had greater 24-h systolic BP (141 ± 13 vs 132 ± 12 mmHg, p&lt;0.05), while did not differ regarding metabolic profile and left ventricular mass index (p = NS). Patients with HRE compared to those without HRE exhibited greater levels of ADMA (0.62 ± 0.05 vs 0.54 ± 0.04 μ mol/l, p&lt;0.0001) and ACR (61.4 ± 12 vs 15.2 ± 2.2 mg/g, p&lt;0.0001), whereas had lower adiponectin values (6.1 ± 1.4 vs 9.3 ± 2.1 μg/ml, p&lt;0.0001), independently of confounders. In the total population, peak exercise systolic BP was related to 24-h systolic BP (r=0.239, p&lt;0.05), ACR (r=0.432, p&lt;0.0001), ADMA (r=0.260, p=0.007), and negatively associated with adiponectin (r = −0.216, p&lt;0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that 24-h systolic BP (b=0.232, p=0.023), male sex (b=0.240, p=0.029) and ACR (b=0.450, p&lt;0.0001) were independent predictors of peak exercise systolic BP. Conclusions: In essential hypertension, a HRE is associated with hypoadiponectinemia, augmented ADMA and ACR values, reflecting activation of diverse pro-atherosclerotic pathways. These findings suggest that treadmill exercise testing could be an additional tool to identify hypertensive patients with pronounced cardiorenal vascular dysfunction.