[Changes in amplitude of the R wave in V5 during a computerized exercise test: value in the diagnosis of coronary...

In order to determine the real value of the amplitude variations of the R wave V5 during a stress test, in the recognition of coronary insufficiency, the stress tests of 227 patients were reviewed and compared to the results of coronary angiography. This permitted to find 93 patients with healthy coronaries and 134 patients presenting an involvement of the anterior inter-ventricular artery (AIVA); 37 have a one-vessel disease, 38 have a two-vessel disease, 59 a tri-vessel disease. Quantitative analysis of the modifications of the R wave in V5 during stress, finds mean values of amplitude variations of 1.46 +/- 2.65 mm (p less than 10(-7)) in the reference group; + 1.36 +/- 3.03 mm (p less than 0.01) in patients with a one-vessel disease; +/- 2.02 +/- 2.73 mm (p less than 10(-5)) in patients with two-vessel disease; +/- 1.77 +/- 2.82 mm (p less than 10(-6)) in patients with three-vessel disease. Mean variations are not significantly different from one group to the other and do not permit to individualize a specific evolutive profile in favor of a coronary disease. Considering the absence of alterations or the increase of the amplitude of R in V5 during stress as a pathological response to a coronary insufficiency.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)