[Exercise test after myocardial infarct. Correlations with data of coronary angiography and ventriculography]

Abstract

The authors have studied the exercise test carried out at least three months (3-6 months: 52 cases; greater than 6 months: 48 cases) after myocardial infarction in the anterior position (50 cases), in the "inferior" position (42 cases), and of a diffuse type (8 cases), in patients who were taking no treatment which might interfere with interpretation of the test. For the anterior infarctions there was a good correlation between ST elevation (J max greater than or equal to 1 mm, or better than the sun of the J greater than or equal to 2 mm) and the presence of severe involvement of the left ventricle. A depressed ST segment beyond the area of necrosis corresponds to a stenosis greater than or equal to 75 p. 100 in 36 p. 100 of cases. In inferior infarctions, the correlation between ST elevation and left ventricular involvement is also specific but less sensitive. ST depression outside the area of necrosis corresponds to a stenosis greater than or equal to 75 p. 100 in 66 p. 100 of cases; it is then lateral, but may extend as far as V2. They also indicate a mirror image, especially when the depressed area slopes upwards, and is localised in V2-V3. The other changes which were found have no practical application.