Maximal treadmill exercise testing in the management of the post-myocardial infarction patient

Treadmill exercise tests were performed on 32 active duty military personnel 9 to 11 months after acute myocardial infarction to enable more objective selection of candidates for return to military service. Treadmill exercise tests were terminated at heart rates averaging 92 percent maximal predicted rate for age, or when chest discomfort with ischemic ECG changes occurred. The incidence of lipid abnormalities, hypertension, and other coronary risk factors did not differ among the groups. However, treadmill exercise tests appeared to identify a high risk group. Treadmill exercise testing in young postmyocardial infarction patients suggests that those with ischemic responses are at high risk of subsequent cardiac complications. Early surgery in this group may be warranted. The more frequently encountered negative response appears to be associated with a benign clinical course and better immediate prognosis.