Comparison of the electrocardiographic changes induced by maximam exercise testing with treadmill and cycle ergometer

Maximum exercise testing using treadmill walking and cycle ergometry was compared in 40 male patients who had suffered a myocardial infarction in the preceeding twelve months. Maximum oxygen uptake was on average 17% greater in the treadmill than the cycle test and maximum heart rate was also higher, but the rate pressure product (RPP) was a similar due to a higher blood pressure in the cycle ergometer test. Eleven subjects showe ST-segment depression greater than 1 min and eight subjects showed ST-segment elevation greater than 1 mm. There was a close relationship (r2 = 0.96) between the magnitude of ST-segment changes in the two tests. Four subjects showing ST depression of 1 mm in the treadmill test showed depression during the cycle ergometer test which was less than this conventionally "positive" value. In these subjects RPP was lower during cycling than in treadmill walking. With both tests maximum ST-segment changes were measured immediately on stopping exercise: resolution of ST depression was more rapid than ST elevation. The two exercise testing modes are closely comparable in their ability to reveal changes of myocardial ischemia.