Maximal exercise testing--Bruce protocol

Abstract

Maximal treadmill exercise testing is feasible for the family physician's office especially in a group setting. The Bruce Exercise Test is described in detail and is helpful in the diagnosis of asymptomatic coronary heart disease, following the course of coronary heart disease, diagnosis of other cardiac disease, and in preventive testing and exercise prescription. Sensitivity and specificity of ST changes may be improved by recognizing factors which cause false positive and negative ST responses. The Bruce Test is safe when the procedure is followed meticulously. There have been 2,490 tests performed in the laboratory of three family physicians without serious morbidity. The screening exercise test with preventive exercise prescription is particularly pertinent to the present day concepts of family practice.