The effects of drugs on the exercise electrocardiogram

Changes in the exercise ECG caused by five different drugs are presented. Analysis of these changes indicate that these are related to the hemodynamic effects of the drugs, rather than to reduction of myocardial ischemia. Calcium antagonists (Verapamil) as well as drugs which reduce heart rate (Alinidine, Propranolol) do not change the relation between ST depression and heart rate in a given patient. Drugs which lower ventricular volume (Molsidomine, Nitroglycerine) reduce the amount of ST depression at the same heart rate during exercise.