[Hemodynamic changes in ischemic heart disease patients undergoing a combined head-down-tilt isometric load]

Hemodynamics and myocardial contractility were examined in 36 male coronary patients and 20 normal subjects at rest, in a 15 degree head-down tilt and during combined antiorthostatic/isometric exercise (AOSIE). Antiorthostatic position was associated with increased stroke and minute volumes, cardiac index in normal subjects, and reduced stroke volume and left ventricular contractility in coronary patients of the 3d-4th functional class. AOSIE produced further increase in left-heart pumping and contractility in normal subjects, and a decrease in stroke and minute volumes, cardiac index and contractility parameters of calibration apex cardiograms in coronary patients of all functional classes. It is concluded that AOSIE can be used for the assessment of left ventricular myocardial function in normal subjects and coronary patients alike.