Hemodynamics before and after physical endurance training in patients with myocardial infarction under various...

This hemodynamic study was done in 23 post myocardial infarction patients. The peripheral and central hemodynamics were examined by repeated ergometer tests, heart volume estimations, and heart catheterizations under various provocative techniques such as dynamic bicycle ergometer load, static hand grip load, volume load, atrial pacing, and psychomotor stress. After a 5-week period of endurance training we found a marked and statistically significant increase (40%) of maximal work tolerance and a significant decrease (10%) in heart rate and atrial blood pressure at rest and on equal levels of work load. No significant influence was seen on central (pulmonary) pressure readings at rest or on equal levels of work load beside the higher venous oxygen extraction. These peripheral effects of physical training were seen for all provocative tests, and also for those which were not trained as static and volume load and psychomotor stress.