[Significance exercise-induced ST elevation in patients with myocardial infarction]

In 52 patients with previous myocardial infraction, 49 men and 3 women (mean age 56 +/- 7.1 years) the significance of ST-segment elevation during the stress-test, was evaluated. Of the 52 patients 15 (29%) showed St-segment elevation and 37(71%), showed no alteration of the ST-segment. Extension of coronary disease, degree of obstruction, wall motion abnormalities and the presence of residual ischemia were evaluated by coronary angiography, technetium-99M pyrophosphate imaging and exercise TL-201 scintigraphy. From the results of the study one may conclude that, in patients with previous myocardial infraction exercise, ST-segment elevation is a consequence of sub-occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery with severe ventricular dysfunction either in patients with one or multiple vessel disease.