[Ergometric tests in cardiology. Indications and appraisal parameters]

Abstract

An assessment was made of the ability of an ergometric test to detect coronary patients in evaluating the reliability of the effort test, which is mainly important when it gives the percentage of coronary patients that can be discovered at an early stage during screening. The concept of sensitivity and specificity is analysed with respect to the diagnostic criteria employed. Blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen consumption are discussed in their rôle of leading parameters and the appraisal made of the diagnostic significance of a below-normal ST level in the literature is examined. Junctional falls in level and depression of the J point are also discussed. Cases in which a below-normal ST segment level is not associated with coronary disease are examined.