Effect of isometric handgrip exercise on left ventricular function in the patient with artificial cardiac pacemaker

The cardiovascular effects of isometric handgrip exercise were determined with a nonivasive method in the patient with artificial pacemaker. The arterial blood pressure was measured with mercury manometer as well as cardiac output by the dye dilution method with Indocyanin green before and after handgrip exercise. Isometric handgrip exercise produced a significant increase in the left ventricular ejection time, the left ventricular ejection time/the preejection period, the ejection time index/the isometric contraction time, the arterial blood pressure and cardiac output and a significant decrease in the preejection time and the isometric contraction time. Cardiac output was increased more remarkably in the negative Master two step test group than in the positive Master two step test group. There was found a significant positive relationship between the increase in cardiac output and P wave rate upon handgrip exercise.