The relationship between exercise-induced R wave amplitude changes and QRS vector loops

The mechanism for R wave amplitude changes during exercise testing is controversial. To investigate this, we recorded vectorcardiograms (VCG) during supine rest and bicycle exercise in 13 normals and 33 patients with coronary heart disease. In all normals, and in those CHD patients with an exercise-induced decrease in R wave amplitude, there was a posterior shift of the QRS vector loop in the transverse plane. In the CHD patients with an increase or no change in R wave amplitude, there was an anterior shift of the QRS vector loop. Though spatial vector length decreased with exercise and correlated with R wave changes, there was a better correlation between changes in the maximal QRS vector angle and R wave amplitude. The etiology of R wave changes during exercise appears to be mainly due to shifts in QRS vector loops, but the reason for these shifts is unknown.