[Differential diagnostic value of bicycle ergometry in clinical variants of syncopal states]

Bicycle ergometry was used for the first time in 78 patients with syncopal states. Three types of response to the test were identified: 1) intensely rapid pulse with a relatively stable blood pressure (BP) (vasovagal syncopes); 2) a considerable elevation in BP in combination with a moderate increase in the heart rate and a negative pattern on the ECG (in cardioinhibitory syncopes); 3) rapid pulse and augmentation of BP values (in healthy subjects and in 25.5% of syncopal states). The results obtained may be used for expert evaluation of the syncopal states, the identification of the major mechanisms of the pathogenesis and administration of an adequate therapy.