A Study of Minute to Minute Changes of Arterio-Venous Oxygen `Content Difference, Oxygen Uptake and Cardiac Output and Rate of Achievement of a Steady State During Exercise in Rheumatic Heart Disease

Donald et al. (1954) conducted an observational in Rheumatic heart disease (n=16). Bicycle ergometer exercise vs. Resting state and normal subjects was evaluated on Minute-to-minute changes in arterio-venous oxygen content difference, oxygen uptake, and cardiac output. Patients with rheumatic heart disease exhibited an abnormally low mixed venous blood oxygen saturation (17-38% vs normal 47-54%) and failed to normally increase cardiac output during exercise.