[Use of the postural test in stress echocardiography]

The authors introduced and evaluated the clinical importance of the echocardiographic positional test for the detection of left ventricular insufficiency after exercise. They found that in decompensated ischaemic patients, contrary to healthy subjects, left ventricular ejection indicators deteriorate. Latent left ventricular weakness in ischaemic patients without clinical signs of heart failure is revealed by positional reduction of the rate of shortening of the circumferential fibre. The authors conclude that this test does not fully replace the work load examination. The change of position is, however, a simple, preliminary functional test which may be useful in patients with ischaemic heart disease for checking treatment, rehabilitation and the selection of subjects for further aimed examinations.