[Importance of the step test for the evaluation of the functional state of the cardiovascular system]

Cardiovascular reactions of 100 healthy cadets (1st group) and 45 persons with clinical signs of autonomic-vascular dystonia of the cardiac type (2nd group) to submaximal exercises (Harvard step-test of 1800--21000 kgm/min for 5 min with a total workload of 9000--10500 kgm) were investigated. The cardiovascular function was estimated with respect to electrocardiography, polycardiography, carotid artery sphygmography and left ventricular cardiography. After the step-test the 2nd group test subjects showed distinct changes--hypoxia, arrhythmias, disorders in the phase structure of the systole and diastole--which pointed to a decrease of reserve capabilities and resistance of the cardiovascular system.