Determination of Physical Work Capacity and Exercise Tolerance in Cardiac Patients

Twenty‐four coronary heart patients and eight cardiac neurotics were tested physically by work loads up to maximum in order to assess their aerobic power and evaluate their work tolerance. The average aerobic capacity in both groups was reduced by 30%. The highest mean heart rate and the maximal oxygen pulse were also reduced. The average heart volume was normal. In coronary heart patients the systolic B.P. during exercise at high work loads tended to be low and ECG changes occurred in two thirds of them. The cardiac neurotics did not show these cardiac abnormalities. Only few of the coronary heart patients were able to perform heavy muscular exercise completely without signs and symptoms indicative of impaired myocardial function.