Underwent Treadmill Exercise Testing Research Articles

Correlation of exercise blood pressure levels with concomitant cardiovascular disease.

Hypertension is a fatal but preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and an important cause of death from cardiovascular disease. Exercise training has a definite clinical effect on blood pressure control. However, inappropriate exercise is ineffective and may also cause disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible factors influencing blood pressure level in an exercise treadmill test and its relationship with accompanying clinical diseases. Five hundred sixty-four patients who underwent exercise treadmill test were selected and divided into the abnormal exercise blood pressure group (n = 156, age 60.46 ± 9.2 years) and normal exercise blood pressure group (n = 408, age 56.57 ± 8.8 years) according to whether the peak exercise systolic blood pressure was more than or equal to 180 mm Hg. General clinical data and associated clinical diseases were collected from both groups. The prevalence of hypertension and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease in the abnormal exercise blood pressure group was significantly higher than that in the normal exercise blood pressure group (all P < .05). At the same time, the smoking rate and glycohemoglobin level of the patients with abnormal exercise blood pressure were significantly increased (all P < .05), but there was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and other indicators between the 2 groups (all P > .05). Patients with abnormal exercise blood pressure response have a higher prevalence of hypertension and coronary heart disease. Exercise blood pressure level may be an important factor affecting patients' cardiovascular prognosis.

Association between arterial stiffness and autonomic dysfunction in participants underwent treadmill exercise testing: a cross-sectional analysis

Data on the impact of arterial stiffness on autonomic function are limited. We sought to investigate whether heart rate recovery (HRR), a predictor of autonomic function, is impaired in patients with increased arterial stiffness. A total of 475 participants (mean age 55.8 ± 11.1 years, 34.3% women) who underwent a treadmill exercise test (TET) for the evaluation of chest pain were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement on the same day. HRR was defined as the difference in heart rate from maximal exercise to 1 min of recovery. Participants with the lowest HRR tertile were older and had more cardiovascular risk factors than those with the highest HRR tertile. Simple correlation analysis showed that baPWV was negatively correlated with HRR (r = − 0.327, P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, there was a significant association between baPWV and HRR, even after adjusting for potential confounders (β = − 0.181, P < 0.001). In participants who underwent TET, baPWV was negatively correlated with HRR. The results of our study indicate a potential relationship between arterial stiffness and the autonomic nervous system.

Abstract 16944: Risk Stratification With Hemodynamic Gain Index and Peak Rate-Pressure Product in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure Undergoing Treadmill Exercise Testing

Introduction: We recently demonstrated the combined prognostic value of two simple non-invasive parameters obtained from treadmill exercise testing in patients with HFrEF, the hemodynamic gain index (HGI) and peak rate-pressure product (pRPP). However, their prognostic value is yet to be validated in patients with undifferentiated HF syndrome. Hypothesis: Both HGI and pRPP predict all-cause mortality in patients with chronic HF. Methods: We identified 126,356 consecutive patients undergoing treadmill exercise testing for HF symptom evaluation between 1/1991-2/2015. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HF were included. HGI was calculated from [(SBPpeak x HRpeak) - (SBPrest x HRrest)]/(SBPrest x HRrest), and pRPP was calculated from SBPpeak x HRpeak. Hazard ratios per doubling of HGI and pRPP for all-cause mortality were estimated using multivariable Cox regression models with adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and exercise testing parameters (chronotropic reserve index, METs, abnormal heart rate recovery, and total exercise time). Optimal cut-off for HGI and pRPP were determined by the Youden’s index. Kaplan-Meier plots with log-rank test across patients with low or high HGI and pRPP were used. Results: There were 5,940 patients with symptomatic HF diagnosis included in the analysis (mean age 56.2±12.4 years, 68.1% male, 46.5% with CAD, 55.8% with beta-blocker use). During the median follow up of 7.1 years, 2,222 (37.4%) patients died. Higher both HGI and pRPP were associated with a lower risk of mortality (hazard ratio 0.85 [0.81-0.90] and 0.72 [0.62-0.84], respectively, all P &lt;0.001). Optimal cut-off values for HGI and peak RPP were 1.06 and 18,966, respectively. Figure 1 shows Kaplan-Meier plots across patients with low and high HGI and pRPP (log-rank P &lt;0.001). Conclusions: Both HGI and pRPP are predictors of mortality in patients with chronic HF and can be used for prognostication and referral for advanced HF therapy evaluation.

PS-C14-3: HEART RATE RECOVERY IN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION: RELATIONSHIP WITH CLINICAL FEATURES AND LEFT VENTRICULAR REMODELLING

Objective: Heart rate recovery after treadmill exercise testing reflects autonomic dysfunction and is related to higher major adverse cardiac events. Numerous studies suggested the correlation of Heart rate recovery with hypertension and left ventricular remodeling. This study aimed to assess factors related to HRR in coronary artery disease patients who have undergone revascularization and Beta-blocker. Design and method: This cross-sectional study includes CAD patients who came to the outpatient clinic for six to 24 months after hospitalization in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital from February to August 2021. All patients undergo treadmill tests and transthoracic echocardiography. The treadmill stress test is conducted using Bruce or Modified Bruce Protocol. Transthoracic echocardiography is conducted using GE Vivid 7 ultrasound machine. Heart rate recovery at one minute defines as abnormal if &lt; 18 beats per minute. The t test was used for continuous variables, and the Chi-square or Fisher exact test was used for categorical data. A p-value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 63 consecutive coronary artery disease patients with (n = 43, HP) and without (n = 20, NHP) were included in this study. All subjects underwent treadmill exercise testing. Up to 90% of patients have undergone revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft. All patients on Beta-blocker therapy. Peak heart rate (152 ± 29 vs. 132 ± 24, p = 0.010) and Heart rate recovery at one minute (129 ± 18 vs. 118 ± 19, p = 0.025) were significantly higher in the NHP group. Older age and lower peak heart rate were associated with lower heart rate recovery at one minute in the HP group. The previous history, such as diabetes, smoking history, ejection fraction, left wall mass index, and functional capacity, does not correlate with heart rate recovery at one minute in NHP or HP group. Conclusion: The present results demonstrate that heart rate recovery at one minute is affected by older age and peak heart rate. The left ventricular remodelling and other risk factors and their associations in coronary artery disease population who have undergone revascularization and are on beta-blocker medications should be investigated more with larger samples.

Effects of mask-wearing on treadmill exercise test

Abstract Background Concerning about the spread of COVID-19, World Health Organization recommends wearing facemasks to minimize viral transmission. Patients are required to wear facemasks while conducting treadmill exercise tests in hospitals. The effects of mask-wearing on the results of stress exercise testing remain uncertain. Purpose This study aims to assess the impact of mask-wearing on the physiological parameters during treadmill exercise testing. Methods Patients who underwent treadmill exercise test using the Bruce protocol for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease were retrospectively examined between 2020 and 2021. A propensity score matching was performed to adjust the baseline characteristics of patients with and without mask. Blood pressure, heart rate, exercise duration, and the interpretation of stress test were compared. The ischemic ST-segment response was defined as flat or downsloping depression of the ST seg-ment &amp;gt;0.1 mV below baseline and lasting longer than 0.08 second. Nondiagnostic result of treadmill exercise test was defined as absence of ischemic ST-segment response in which the 90% of maximal predicted heart rate for age and sex was not achieved. Results Following 1:1 propensity score matching, a total of 3,996 patients were enrolled for analysis, including 1,998 patients who performed treadmill exercise testing with masks, and 1,998 without masks. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups (mean age, 56.1±12.1 years; 38.7% female; mean body mass index, 25.5±3.9 kg/m2). At baseline, patients with masks had significantly higher heart rate (84.8±14.7 bpm vs. 82.5±14.0 bpm; p&amp;lt;0.001) and lower systolic blood pressure (130.4±19.0 mmHg vs. 132.4±18.7 mmHg; p=0.001) than those without masks. Patients with masks conducted significantly shorter duration of exercise (435±128 seconds vs. 481±133 seconds; p&amp;lt;0.001), achieved significantly lower measurement of peak heart rate (149.5±17.1 bpm vs. 152.7±17.0 bpm; p&amp;lt;0.001), and had significantly lower rate-pressure products (26,366±5,207 mmHg·bpm vs. 27,629±5,242 mmHg*bpm; p&amp;lt;0.001) than those without masks. The proportion of patients who were unable to complete stage II of the Bruce protocol was significantly higher among patients with masks (15.1% vs. 9.0%; p&amp;lt;0.001). The proportion of nondiagnostic result was significantly higher among patients with mask (12.2% vs. 8.8%; p&amp;lt;0.001), whereas the proportion of positive ischemic ST-segment response rate was significantly higher among patients without mask (28.1% vs. 23.3%; p=0.001). Conclusions Our study demonstrated that performing treadmill exercise test with mask could significantly decrease the duration of exercise, reduce the maximal achieved heart rate, decease the rate-pressure product, and thus reduce the diagnostic power of treadmill exercise testing. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Validation of prognostic value of the hemodynamic gain index in different groups of patients undergoing exercise stress testing

BackgroundRecently, the hemodynamic gain index (HGI) has shown to be a strong independent predictor of all-cause mortality and associated with metabolic equivalents (METs) in a cohort of male patients. However, the prognostic implications of the HGI have never been externally validated with subgroup analyses based on gender, body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2, history of heart failure (HF), coronary artery disease (CAD) and beta-blocker use. MethodsWe identified 126,356 consecutive patients undergoing treadmill exercise testing between January 1st, 1991 and February 27th, 2015. HGI was calculated using the formula: [(SBPpeak × HRpeak) − (SBPrest × HRrest)] / (SBPrest × HRrest). Cox regression models were used to determine the associations between HGI quartiles and all-cause mortality with adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and exercise testing parameters. ResultsMean age was 53.5 ± 12.6 years. There were 74,724 (59.1 %) male, 5940 (4.7 %) HF, 21,123 (16.7 %) CAD, and 30,568 (24.2 %) beta-blocker-using patients. During the median follow up of 7.1 years, 9929 (7.9 %) died. Median HGI was 1.93 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.40–2.54) bpm/mmHg. After adjustment for the covariates, lower HGI was independently associated with all-cause mortality in the entire cohort (quartile 1 vs 4, adjusted hazard ratio [95 % confidence interval] 1.33 [IQR 1.21–1.45], p < 0.001), and subgroups of men, women, patients with body mass index <35 kg/m2, with and without HF, CAD, and beta-blocker use. The HGI also correlates well with METs in every subgroup. ConclusionsThe HGI is a strong predictor of long-term mortality independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and exercise performance across patient subgroups.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Mortality in Patients Aged 60 to 90 Years

Chronological age alone does not fully reflect a patient's prognosis. We sought to assess the association of cardiorespiratory fitness (quantified by METs) with all-cause mortality among patients aged 60 to 90 years. This retrospective study included patients who underwent exercise treadmill testing at an integrated healthcare system from 2011 to 2019. Patients were categorized into age groups: 60 to <70 years, 70 to <80 years, and 80 to 90 years; and cardiorespiratory fitness level: low (<5 METs), moderate (5 to 10 METs), and high fitness (>10 METs). Mean follow-up was 3.5 years. A total of 40,520 patients were included (mean age 67.7 ± 4.7 years, 48.6% women). Of whom, 27,021 were 60 to <70 years old (66.7%); 12,638 70 to <80 years old (31.2%); and 1,861 80 to 90 years old (4.6%). There were 3,494 patients categorized as low (8.6%), 21,863 as moderate (54%), and 15,163 as high fitness (37.4%). Low fitness level was independently associated with lower survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15 to 2.24). Using age 60 to 70 group with high fitness level as reference, the age 80 to 90 group with high fitness level had better survival than their younger counterparts with low fitness level (age 80 to 90 years high fitness level: HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 7.2; age 60 to 70 years low fitness level: HR 4.3, 95% CI 3.1 to 5.9; age 70 to 80 years low fitness level: HR 6.8, 95% CI 5.2 to 8.9) on adjusted analysis. In conclusion, higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better survival. Patients >80 years old with high fitness level have comparable or even better survival than their younger counterparts with submoderate fitness levels. Chronological age alone should not be the only factor when considering prognosis.

Correlation of heart rate recovery and heart rate variability with atrial fibrillation progression.

ObjectiveTo examine the combination of heart rate recovery (HRR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) progression.MethodsData from patients with a first detected episode of AF who underwent treadmill exercise testing and 24-h Holter electrocardiography were retrospectively analysed. Autonomic dysfunction was verified using HRR values. Sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation was analysed by HRV. AF progression was defined as transition from the first detected paroxysmal episode to persistent/permanent AF.ResultsOf 306 patients, mean LF/HF ratio and HRR did not differ significantly by AF progression regardless of age (< or ≥65 years). However, when the LF/HF ratio was divided into tertiles, in patients aged <65 years, the mid LF/HF (1.60–2.40) ratio was significantly associated with lower AF progression rates and longer maintenance of normal sinus rhythm. For patients aged <65 years, less metabolic equivalents were related to higher AF progression rates. For patients aged ≥65 years, a low HRR was associated with high AF progression rates.ConclusionIn relatively younger age, high physical capacity and balanced autonomic nervous system regulation are important predictors of AF progression. Evaluation of autonomic function assessed by age could predict AF progression.

Prognostic value of the hemodynamic gain index in different groups of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing

Abstract Background A novel hemodynamic parameter obtained from the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), the hemodynamic gain index (HGI), was developed and shown to be a strong independent predictor of all-cause mortality in a large male cohort. The HGI also strongly correlates with exercise parameters such as peak oxygen consumption and metabolic equivalents (METs). However, prognostic implications of the HGI have not been externally validated with subgroup analyses based on sex, heart failure (HF), coronary artery disease (CAD) and the use of beta-blockers. Purpose We aimed to validate the prognostic value of the HGI in men, women, and patients with and without HF, CAD, and beta-blocker use. Methods We identified 126,356 consecutive patients undergoing treadmill exercise testing for symptom evaluation between 1/1/1991–02/27/2015. HGI was calculated using the formula, [(SBPpeak x HRpeak) − (SBPrest x HRrest)] / (SBPrest x HRrest). Univariable and multivariable cox regression models were used to determine the associations between the HGI stratified by quartiles and all-cause mortality at 10 years with adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, smoking status and body mass index) and exercise testing parameters (chronotropic reserve index, METs, abnormal heart rate recovery, and total exercise time). Results In our study cohort, mean age was 53.5±12.6 years. There were 74,724 (59.1%) male, 5,940 (4.7%) HF, 21,123 (16.7%) CAD, and 30,568 (24.2%) beta-blocker-using patients. During the mean follow up of 8.7 years, 9,929 (7.9%) died. Mean HGI was 2.0±1.2 bpm/mmHg. Lower HGI was associated with all-cause mortality in the entire cohort (Figure 1A, log rank p&amp;lt;0.001). After adjustment for the covariates, the lowest quartile of the HGI was independently associated with all-cause mortality in subgroups of men, women, and patients with and without HF, CAD, and beta-blocker use (Figure 1B, all p≤0.001) compared with the highest quartile of the HGI. Conclusions HGI is an independent predictor of long-term mortality after adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and exercise performance across patient subgroups. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression

Associations between cardiorespiratory fitness, sex and long term mortality amongst adults undergoing exercise treadmill testing

Background:Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) varies with sex and is an independent predictor of mortality. We sought to investigate sex differences in the exercise protocol selected, CRF levels, and their relationships with long term all-cause mortality.Methods:In a 25-year stress testing registry spanning from 1991 to 2014, consecutive all-comer patients who underwent exercise stress testing at Cleveland Clinic were categorized by sex, stress protocol and imaging modality. All tests were conducted by one or more of stress test technicians, sonographers and nuclear medicine technologists, and interpreted by cardiologists. The primary outcome all-cause mortality was analyzed in using multivariable Cox regression.Results:In 120,705 patients, the mean age was 53.3 ± 12.5 years, and 41% were female. Females were more commonly referred for non-Bruce exercise protocols (modified Bruce, Cornell 0, 5 and 10, Naughton and modified Naughton) with odds ratio of 2.62; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) (2.54–2.70) after adjusting for age and comorbidities. When also adjusting for the protocol chosen, females achieved lower CRF with beta −1.40, 95% CI (−1.43, −1.37). There were 8426 (6.9%) deaths during a mean follow-up of 8.7 years. Both female sex and CRF were independently associated with lower all-cause mortality with hazards ratio (95%CI) of 0.44 (0.41–0.46) and 0.41 (0.39–0.42) respectively, after adjusting for age, co-morbidities and protocol chosen.Conclusions:Women were more likely referred for less demanding exercise protocols, more imaging protocols and achieved lower CRF than men. Despite this, female sex was associated with significantly lower long term mortality for equivalent CRF level in adjusted analyses.

Association between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Bronchiectasis at CT: A Long-term Population-based Study of Healthy Young Adults Aged 18-30 Years in the CARDIA Study.

Background Protective factors against the risk of bronchiectasis are unknown. A high level of cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a lower risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But whether fitness relates to bronchiectasis remains, to the knowledge of the authors, unknown. Purpose To examine the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and bronchiectasis. Materials and Methods This was a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults cohort (from 1985-1986 [year 0] to 2015-2016 [year 30]). During a 30-year period, healthy participants (age at enrollment 18-30 years) underwent treadmill exercise testing at year 0 and year 20 visits. Cardiorespiratory fitness was determined according to the treadmill exercise duration. The 20-year difference in cardiorespiratory fitness was used as the fitness measurement. At year 25, chest CT was performed to assess bronchiectasis and was used as the primary outcome. Multivariable logistic models were performed to determine the association between cardiorespiratory fitness changes and bronchiectasis. Results Of 2177 selected participants (at year 0: mean age, 25 years ± 4 [standard deviation]; 1224 women), 209 (9.6%) had bronchiectasis at year 25. After adjusting for age, race-sex group, study site, body mass index, pack-years smoked, history of tuberculosis, pneumonia, asthma and myocardial infarction, peak lung function, and cardiorespiratory fitness at baseline, preservation of cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with lower odds of bronchiectasis at CT at year 25 (per 1-minute-longer treadmill duration from year 0 to year 20: odds ratio [OR], 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.98; P = .02). A consistent strong association was found when cough and phlegm were included in bronchiectasis (OR, 0.72; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.87; P < .001). Conclusion In a long-term follow-up, the preservation of cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with lower odds of bronchiectasis at CT. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Stojanovska in this issue.

EXAGGERATED BLOOD PRESSURE RESPONSE IN EXERCISE IS ASSOCIATED WITH LACK OF LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY REGRESSION IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS AFTER 6 YEARS FOLLOW-UP

Objective: Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is independently associated with improved cardiovascular outcome. In this study we aimed to investigate the role of exaggerated blood pressure response (EBPR) during exercise in LVH regression in hypertensive subjects over time. Design and method: 1413 hypertensive subjects, (mean age 57 ± 11 years), 51% males, with baseline office blood pressure (BP) 144/89mmHg were followed for a mean period of 6.4 ± 3.0 years. At baseline and last follow-up visit all patients underwent office BP, laboratory tests and echocardiographical determination of left ventricular mass index (LVMI). At baseline, all subjects underwent treadmill exercise testing (Bruce protocol) in order to identify the presence of EBPR based on the systolic BP elevation at peak exercise (&gt; or = 210 mmHg for men and &gt; or = 190 mmHg for women). Main outcome variable was LVH Regression/prevention (LVH Regr/prev), defined as: LVH at baseline visit with normal LVMI values at last visit or absence of LVH at baseline and last visit. BP control was considered optimal when the mean of office BP measurements during follow-up was &lt; 140/90 mmHg. Results: 46% of study population presented LVH Regr/prev during follow-up period. Cox-regression analysis, after adjustment for clinical and biochemical variables, revealed that low levels of baseline LVMI (HR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99, p &lt; 0.0001), absence of EBPR (HR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.67–0.98, p = 0.02) and optimal BP control during follow-up (HR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.01–1.56, p = 0.03) were independent predictors of LVH Regr/prev during follow-up. Conclusions: In conclusion, beyond optimal BP control, EBPR is a significant predictor of structural cardiac alterations overtime. These finding strengthens the clinical importance of EBPR during the baseline evaluation of hypertensive subjects.

The Effect of Echocardiography Based on Lipid Nano Contrast Agent on Cardiology Patients with Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation.

This paper discusses the effect and evaluation of echocardiography based on lipid nano contrast agent on patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation in cardiology department, providing reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Fifty two patients with diastolic heart failure diagnosed by echocardiography were selected for routine echocardiographic examination after optimizing the drug treatment scheme, and then the patients underwent treadmill exercise test and stress echocardiography evaluation. The results of conventional echocardiography and stress echocardiography after treatment were compared with those before treatment, and the clinical parameters and biochemical indexes before and after treatment were compared. Results after treatment, the clinical symptoms of the patients improved, the level of NT proBNP in the N-terminal forebrain decreased significantly, and the exercise tolerance increased significantly. Compared with the conventional echocardiography before and after treatment, the left ratio and e' value of stress echocardiography after treatment increased significantly, while E/e' decreased significantly. There was no significant difference in the indexes of general echocardiography before and after treatment. After treatment, positively correlated with the ratio of peak a to peak E. The results show that the sensitivity of stress echocardiography to evaluate ischemic diastolic heart failure has been improved, and some indexes have clinical significance. Compared with conventional echocardiography, it can effectively evaluate the therapeutic effect of drugs.

Severity of Myocardial Ischemia Is Related to Career Length Rather Than Age Among Professional Firefighters.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the major cause of duty-related fatalities in the fire service. Age and career length are not only important risk factors associated with IHD, but are also highly correlated. The aim of this secondary analyses was to assess the relationship between age, career length, and IHD, based on ischemic severity, to identify whether age or career length had a stronger relationship to IHD. This was a secondary, correlational analysis of on-duty firefighters without known cardiovascular or respiratory disease who underwent exercise treadmill testing with 12-lead electrocardiography. Ischemia was defined based on current guidelines. Maximum ST-segment depression was measured to determine IHD ischemic severity. Age, years of employment, demographics, weight, blood pressure were recorded. Multiple correlations were computed between age, career length, and IHD. Twenty-two firefighters were included (96% male, 82% White, 82% overweight or obese, 77% hypertensive). The partial correlation between maximum ST-segment depression and age controlled for career length was not significant (r = -.392, p = .079). The partial correlation between maximum ST-segment depression and career length controlled for age was statistically significant (r = .466, p = .033). Career length, not age, moderately correlates with IHD ischemic severity among firefighters. Career length is a proxy measure of occupational exposures which contributes to IHD. When assessing IHD risk in firefighters, health practitioners should consider incorporating the occupational exposure history (i.e., career length) in addition to age when providing risk reduction services.

Blood pressure response in exercise is associated with future cardiac structural alterations in hypertensive patients

Abstract Background/Introduction Exaggerated blood pressure response (EBPR) during the exercise treadmill test (ETT) is often observed in individuals without known cardiovascular disease. Although it is generally considered as an abnormal response and a risk factor for hypertension development, its clinical significance remains controversial. On the other hand, regression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is independently associated with improved cardiovascular outcome. Purpose In this study we aimed to investigate the role of EBPR during exercise in LVH regression in hypertensive subjects over time. Methods 1413 hypertensive subjects, (mean age 57±11 years), 51% males, with baseline office blood pressure (BP) 144/89mmHg were followed for a mean period of 6.4±3.0 years. At baseline and last follow-up visit all patients underwent office BP, laboratory tests and echocardiographical determination of left ventricular mass index (LVMI). At baseline, all subjects underwent treadmill exercise testing (Bruce protocol) in order to identify the presence of EBPR based on the systolic BP elevation at peak exercise (&amp;gt; or =210 mmHg for men and &amp;gt; or =190 mmHg for women). Main outcome variable was LVH Regression/prevention (LVH Regr/prev), defined as: LVH at baseline visit with normal LVMI values at last visit or absence of LVH at baseline and last visit. BP control was considered optimal when the mean of office BP measurements during follow-up was &amp;lt;140/90mmHg. Results 46% of study population presented LVH Regr/prev during follow-up period. Cox-regression analysis, after adjustment for clinical and biochemical variables, revealed that low levels of baseline LVMI (HR=0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99, p&amp;lt;0.0001), absence of EBPR (HR=0.81, 95% CI 0.67–0.98, p=0.02) and optimal BP control during follow-up (HR=1.19, 95% CI 1.01–1.56, p=0.03) were independent predictors of LVH Regr/prev during follow-up. Conclusions Beyond optimal BP control, EBPR is a significant predictor of left ventricular mass changes overtime. Hence, ETT can provide clinical relevant information, including EBPR, which may help in the improvement of risk stratification of hypertensive subjects. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

The association of exaggerated hypertensive response to exercise and beta-blockers use in hypertensives

ABSTRACT Purpose An elevation in blood pressure (BP) during exercise is the normal physiological response, however an abnormally exaggerated rise in BP, in terms of hypertensive response to exercise (HRE), is seen as a prognostic factor for end-organ damage and mortality. HRE is more common in hypertensive (HT) patients and data are lacking on the effect of antihypertensive medication on HRE. In this study, we evaluated patients who underwent treadmill exercise testing (TET) to reveal the effect of antihypertensive medication on HRE. Materials and Methods A cohort of 2970 individuals underwent TET and data were evaluated for HRE development. HRE has been defined as a systolic BP>210 mmHg in males and >190 mmHg in females throughout the TET. To reveal the effects of antihypertensive medication on HRE, 992 HT patients were analyzed. Results HRE was observed in 11.4% (n = 113) of HT patients and 5.9% (n = 107) of non-HT individuals(p < .001). HRE was observed significantly more in males (57.6% vs. 67.3%;p = .033), and in patients with higher body mass index BMI (29.1 ± 4.5 vs. 30.3 ± 5.2;0.033). There was no significant association between medication and HRE development apart from beta-blockers. Also, gender (odds ratio:1.787; 95%CI:1.160–2.751;p = .008), BMI (odds ratio:1.070;95%CI:1.025–1.116;p = .002) and being under beta-blocker treatment (odds ratio:0.637;95%CI:0.428–0.949;p = .026) were found to be independent predictors of HRE in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion HRE was associated with gender, BMI and beta-blocker use in hypertensive with male gender and higher BMI associated with higher HRE, while beta-blocker-based treatment, either mono- or combination therapy, associated with lower HRE.

Exercise-Induced Premature Ventricular Contractions Are Associated With Myocardial Ischemia Among Asymptomatic Adult Male Firefighters: Implications for Enhanced Risk Stratification.

Exercise-induced premature ventricular contractions (EI-PVCs) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease among asymptomatic adult males, but the underlying mechanisms remain understudied. Myocardial ischemia due to cardiovascular disease reduces coronary blood flow, may impair exercise performance, and initiates EI-PVCs; thus, EI-PVCs may be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether EI-PVCs are associated with myocardial ischemia and reduced exercise performance among asymptomatic adult firefighters. Asymptomatic adult firefighters free of known cardiovascular disease underwent exercise treadmill testing. A 12-lead electrocardiography was placed on participants for 24 hr afterward to measure EI-PVCs in recovery. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to assess the odds of myocardial ischemia. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were conducted. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. Participants comprised 86 asymptomatic adult males. The prevalence of myocardial ischemia was 30.8%. A single EI-PVC was associated with myocardial ischemia (χ2 = 8.98; p = .003). EI-PVC remained a significant predictor despite adjustment for other cardiovascular risks (odds ratio = 4.281, p = .038). Although not statistically significant, the EI-PVC group achieved lower total exercise time (11.4 ± 2.9 vs. 12.4 ± 3.0 min, p = .13), lower metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs; 11.6 ± 2.6 vs. 12.8 ± 2.3 METs, p = .06), and a lower maximum exercise speed (4.4 ± 0.7 vs. 4.7 ± 0.8 miles/hr, p = .07). EI-PVCs are associated with myocardial ischemia among asymptomatic male firefighters, providing additional evidence of the association between EI-PVCs and myocardial ischemia and suggesting EI-PVCs as an early indicator of cardiovascular disease.

Peak Responses during Exercise Treadmill Testing using Individualized Ramp Protocol and Modified Bruce Protocol in Elderly Patients.

Exercise capacity is well known to be an important prognostic factor in patients with cardiovascular disease and among healthy persons. To determine if there are any differences between the peak exercise response during exercise treadmill testing with the individualized ramp protocol and the modified Bruce protocol in elderly patients. The study included 40 patients (both male and female), aged 70 years and older, who had not had a baseline history of the confirmed coronary artery disease or heart failure diagnoses. All patients underwent exercise treadmill testing using modified Bruce protocol and individualized ramp protocol for 2 consecutive days. Peak heart rate, peak systolic and diastolic blood pressure, peak pressure-rate double product, exercise duration, and peak metabolic equivalents were recorded in both tests. Perceived level of exertion was evaluated using the Borg 10-point scale. The average duration of exercise was longer for the ramp protocol than for the modified Bruce protocol. When the modified Bruce protocol was used, patients achieved a lower workload than they did in using the ramp protocol. The rating of perceived exertion using the revised Borg scale (0 to 10) was 5.6±1.4 for the ramp protocol and 8.7±1.4 for the modified Bruce protocol, which indicates that the patients found the ramp protocol easier. In elderly patients the individualized ramp treadmill protocol allows to achieve the optimal test duration with higher degrees of workload and greater patient comfort during the test more often than does the modified Bruce protocol.

P328 Relation between CHA2DS2-VASc and impaired heart rate recovery in patients without inducible myocardial ischemia

Abstract Background Heart rate recovery (HRR) has been shown to predict cardiovascular and all-cause morbidity and mortality in different populations. Recent studies have indicated the CHA2DS2-VASc score can be used as predictor of mortality in patients with coronary artery disease, without atrial fibrillation. However, the relation between these two parameters has not yet been documented. The Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relation between CHA2DS2-VASc score and impaired heart rate recovery in patients without inducible myocardial ischemia. Methods Our study comprised of 2699 consecutive patients (1319 male, 42.8%, average age 60 ± 11 years) who underwent treadmill exercise testing (stress echocardiography or stress echocardiography) according to Bruce protocol for the assessment of myocardial ischemia. We excluded patients with the systolic heart failure (left ventricle ejection fraction &amp;lt;45%) and those with inducible ischemia. CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated according to the guidelines. Duke treadmill score, functional capacity (Metabolic Equivalents - METs), chronotropic competence (CC), body mass index (BMI) were calculated in all patients. HRR was calculated as the difference between heart rate at the peak stress and heart rate in the first minute of rest. Slow HRR was defined as ≤18 beats/min. Results Out of 2699 patients, 378 (12.3%) had a positive test and they were excluded from further analysis. Of the remaining 2321 patients, 251 (10.8%) had an impaired HRR, whereas 2070 (89.2%) had normal HRR. Previously known coronary artery disease (previous myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery) had 78 (3.4%) patients. Patients with impaired HRR had significantly higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (3.1 ± 1.3 vs 2.3 ± 1.2, p &amp;lt; 0.001), higher resting heart rate (76.9 ± 16.1 vs 73.3 ± 12.3bpm, p &amp;lt; 0.001), higher systolic blood pressure at rest (122.1 ± 13.9 vs 117.2 ± 13.4mmHg, p &amp;lt; 0.001), higher diastolic blood pressure at rest (73.7 ± 7.5 vs 72.3 ± 7.2mmHg, p &amp;lt; 0.001), higher rate of hyperlipproteinemia (176/251, 70.1% vs 1294/2070, 62.5%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), higher BMI (27.3 ± 3.6 vs 26.4± 3.6kg/m2, p &amp;lt; 0.001), shorter duration of the test (5.2 ± 1.8 vs 6.4 ± 1.9 minutes, p &amp;lt; 0.001). lower Duke score (4.6 ± 2.4 vs 6.1 ± 2.4 minutes, p &amp;lt; 0.001). lower MET (6.3 ± 1.8 vs 7.5 ± 1.9, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and higher rate of chronotropic incompetence (173/251, 68.9% vs 1036/2070, 50%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) compares to the patients with normal HRR. Multivariate predictors of impaired HRR were higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (p &amp;lt; 0.001), not achieved THR (p &amp;lt; 0.001), higher heart rate at rest (p = 0.001), higher systolic blood pressure at rest (p = 0.001) and shorter duration of test (p = 0.046). Conclusion CHA2DS2-VASc score is an independent predictor of impaired HRR in patients without inducible ischemia.

P2644Coronary atherosclerotic burden and risk of major adverse cardiac events in hypertensive patients with erectile dysfunction

Abstract Purpose Aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of angiographically coronary artery disease (CAD) and the incidence of future cardiovascular (CV) events among hypertensive males with erectile dysfunction (ED) on the basis of calculated total CV risk at first presentation. Methods A total of 392 hypertensive ED patients without diabetes or known cardiovascular disease underwent a comprehensive evaluation for presence of target organ damage (TOD) and stratified into three total CV risk categories based on blood pressure (BP) category, CV risk factors, TOD and presence of chronic kidney disease. Total testosterone (TT) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) at penile arteries were measured as markers of ED severity and predictors of CV risk. All patients underwent exercise treadmill test and stress echocardiography to reveal myocardial ischemia. Men with positive one or both of the two tests were referred for coronary angiography in order to document CAD. Our primary outcome was a composite measure which included acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, congestive heart failure, revascularization with either percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. All patients were followed from cohort entry until major CV event, or end of study period (December 2018), whichever occurred first. Results The whole population was divided into high (n=176), intermediate (n=120) and low (n=96) total CV risk groups. The three groups had similar mean age (57 yrs). The prevalence of angiographically documented CAD was significantly higher among patients in the high risk group (n=32, 18%), compared to intermediate (n=15, 12.5%) and low risk (n=4, 4.1%) (overall P&lt;0.05). Furthermore, there was a progressive decrease in penile PSV and TT levels from low to moderate and high total CV risk (35 vs 31 vs 28 cm/s and 5.1 vs 4.3 vs 3.8 ng/ml, respectively, overall P&lt;0.001), indicating significant microvascular damage and androgen deficiency in men with a higher CV risk category. Interestingly, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a comparable incidence of major CV events in patients who were at high and intermediate total CV risk at entry (12.5% vs. 11%, respectively, log-rank =0.57) and a greater incidence of major CV events compared to that of low CV risk patients (3.2%), (log-rank P=0.004, for all comparisons) during a 9-year follow-up period (figure). CV events during a 9-year follow-up Conclusion The incidence of future CV events is considerably high among hypertensive ED patients with a intermediate total CV risk at first evaluation. Such patients may require a comprehensive evaluation to reveal occult CAD and they need an aggressive management of BP and concomitant risk factors to reduce their CV risk and improve their sexual life.