Instant electrocardiography identified exercise-induced ST-segment depressions in 40% and asymptomatic ventricular tachycardia in 30% of post-MI angina patients during a physical training program.
Observational (n=10)
Instant electrocardiograms before and after physical activity were recorded three times per week for three to six months in ten patients with postmyocardial infarction angina pectoris who engaged in a physical training program. Four patients developed ST-segment depressions of over 2 mm following exercise and one of the four had associated ventricular ectopia. Three other patients had asymptomatic runs of ventricular tachycardia. Two of the latter subsequently developed ventricular fibrillation during moderate physical activity and one subsequently died suddenly at home while engaged in yardwork. Instant electrocardiography represents a simple way to screen for patients prone to exercise-induced arrhythmias. It is felt that the latter should be on antiarrhythmic drugs and be limited to rather light physical activity such as certain flexibility exercises, noncompetitive team sports, and moderately brisk walking.
Cantwell et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in postmyocardial infarction angina pectoris (n=10). Instant electrocardiography was evaluated on Exercise-induced arrhythmias and ST-segment depressions. Instant electrocardiography identified exercise-induced ST-segment depressions in 40% and asymptomatic ventricular tachycardia in 30% of post-MI angina patients during a physical training program.