An Innovative Approach towards Selecting Aerobic and Coordinative Exercises in Clinical Practice for Children and Young People with ADHD

A growing body of studies and systematic reviews show evidence of the beneficial effects of physical exercise on core symptoms of ADHD. Furthermore, studies indicate that physical exercise as an adjuvant can enhance the effects of medication in the treatment of ADHD. Aerobic and coordinative exercises improve executive functioning through their effect on neurocognitive domains that are implicated in ADHD. It is postulated that through their specific modus operandi, aerobic exercise, by raising cortical arousal levels, improves impaired alerting functions whereas coordinative exercises improve the regulation of inhibitory control through the involvement of a higher variety of frontal-dependent cognitive processes. The increasing use of routine neurocognitive testing with continuous performance tests (CPT), such as the QbTest, at clinical assessments for ADHD allows for an innovative approach to identify the assessment impairments in alerting function and inhibition control that are related to ADHD and accordingly choose aerobic or coordinative physical exercise in a more targeted fashion.

TWO METHODS TO IMPROVE THE ACCURACY OF TREADMILL EXERCISE TESTING──ANALYSIS OF 147 CASESIN CONTRAST WITH CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY

objective To study how to improve the accuracy of treadmill exercise testing(TET).Methods TET was performed before coronary angiography (CAG) for 147 subjects admitted into our departmentbecause of suspicion of angina or coronary artery disease (CAD), then: (1) Every subject was inquired about hissymptoms and physically examined in detail before the testing. Chest pain was divided into ischemic (ICP) ornon - ischemic (NICP) pattern. (2) Informations got from TET, like angina, ST segment depression, and SPB ratio,were analyzed in detail. Results (1) When the patients showed chest pain of ICP pattern and positive TETresults, the sensitivity of TET would be 95%, for patients with NICP chest pain, the negative result of TET meansthat their coronary arteries is normal with the accurate possibility of 98%. (2) By our new criteria of TET, thesensitivity and specificity of TET were 89% and 95% respectively, both higher than those in theliterature. Conclusion in this report, we found TET was more sensitive and accurate if we knew the symptomsprior, especially in detail the characteristics of chest pain, and consider different parameters in combination.

Predictive value of preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing on early outcomes of pulmonary valve replacement after repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

Objective Cardiopulmonary exercise testing(CPET)is helpful to identify right ventriclar(RV)dysfunction in patients with rapair of Tetralogy of Fallot(rTOF),but its predictive value on early outcomes of pulmonary valve replacement(PVR)of these patients is unclear when similar preoperative ventricular size and function in cardiovascular magnetic resonance(CMR)exist.The aim of this study is to evaluate whether CPET is useful to predict the early outcomes of rTOF patients after PVR.

New Parameters of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: Practical Applications

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) has become the cornerstone of risk stratification for heart failure patients. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2) was the first CPX variable to demonstrate prognostic value and is still the most frequently analyzed variable in clinical practice. More recently, several investigations have shown that ventilatory efficiency, typically expressed as the minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope, is a strong prognostic marker in patient with HF. The majority of studies report the VE/VCO2 slope to be prognostically superior to peak VO2 which underscore the clinical importance of assessing ventilatory efficiency in HF patients. Other expressions of ventilatory inefficiency like exercise oscillatory breathing (EOB), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (PET CO2) at rest, and haemodynamic responses such as heart rate recovery (HRR) are strong predictors of outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). So there is a need for simplified approaches that integrate the additive prognostic information from cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

2D and 3D Analysis of Magnetocardiographic Data in the Evaluation of the Ventricular Repolarization Changes under Exercise Stress Test in Patients with CAD

Objective: Non-invasive methods of evaluation of electrical activity of the heart are still the most important functional diagnostics methods in coronary artery disease (CAD) detection. It has been shown that magnetocardiography (MCG) appears to be rather sensitive in diagnostics of chronic CAD even in the patients at rest with unchanged ECG. The objective of present paper is to investigate the influence of non-invasive tests with a physical exerciseon MCG parameters in the patients with chronic CAD. Materials and Methods: In total, 10 patients were examined (mean age 41 ± 5 years) suffering from chronic stable angina (CAD). CAD was diagnosed by clinical evidences, bicycle ergometria positive data and coronary angiography (stenosis > 70% in at least onr main coronary angiography). The control group consisted of 14 healthy volunteers. MCG mapping was performed by means of a 7-channel SQUID-magnetometer installed in an unshielded room. The MCG examination was conducted twice, whilst patients were at rest and after exercise on the bicycle (in healthy persons it was conducted immediately after exercise and in the patients, after the ST depression and/or chest pain had disappeared). The homogeneity and electric motive force (EMF) direction disturbances on magnetic field distribution maps on an extent of ST-T interval have been evaluated. Results: Statistically significant differences between groups examined based both on 2D and 3D quantitative criteria were demonstrated. Conclusion: The application of a set of MCG criteria based on the analysis both of ventricular depolarization and repolarization will enable a greater degree of accuracy for the results of the exercise stress test, especially in doubtful cases.

Preoperative Exercise Testing Is a Better Predictor of Postoperative Complications than Pulmonary Function Testing for Patients with Lung Cancer

Objective: The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the feasibility of exercise testing (ET) for predicting postoperative complications in patients with impaired pulmonary function. Methods: Thirteen patients were prospectively enrolled. The enrollment criteria were FEV1.0% 8 by the Goddard classification or interstitial pneumonia on chest computed tomography. Patients underwent testing for pulmonary function, six-minute walking test (6MWT), and stair-climbing test (SCT). Postoperative cardiopulmonary complications (PCPCs) were recorded. Results: Four patients developed PCPCs. There were no significant differences between the patients with PCPCs (n = 4) and those without PCPCs (n = 9) for background data and PFT. The distances achieved in the 6MWT were 503 ± 72.7 m for patients without PCPCs and 369 ± 50.7 m for patients with PCPCs (p = 0.011). The SCT climbing heights were 20.4 ± 5.3 m for patients without PCPCs and 14.9 ± 4.0 m for patients with PCPCs (P = 0.187). Cut-off points, including a 6MFT distance of less than 400 m, SCT height lower than 15 m, and SCT climbing speed less than 8.5 m/min, were predictive of CPCP. Conclusions: Exercise testing is more feasible for predicting postoperative cardiopulmonary complications than stationary pulmonary function testing.

Dead Space Breathing in Patients with Malignancies: Determination by Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing

Rationale: Patients with cancer commonly experience dyspnea originating from ventilatory, circulatory and musculoskeletal sources, and dyspnea is best determined by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Objectives: In this retrospective pilot study, we evaluated patients with hematologic and solid malignancies by CPET to determine the primary source of their dyspnea. Methods: Subjects were exercised on a cycle ergometer with increasing workloads. Minute ventilation, heart rate, breathing reserve, oxygen uptake (V’O2), O2-pulse, ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide and oxygen (V’E/V’CO2 and V’E/V’O2, respectively) were measured at baseline and peak exercise. The slope and intercept for V’E/V’CO2 was computed for all subjects. Peak V’O2 4% predicted indicated a circulatory or ventilatory limitation. Results: Complete clinical and physiological data were available for 36 patients (M/F 20/16);32 (89%) exhibited ventilatory or circulatory limitation as shown by a reduced peak V’O2 and 10 subjects with normal physiologic data. The largest cohort comprised the pulmonary vascular group (n = 18) whose mean ± SD peak V’O2 was 61% ± 17% predicted. There were close associations between V’O2 and spirometric values. Peak V’E/V’O2 and V’E/V’CO2 were highest in the circulatory and ventilatory cohorts, consistent with increase in dead space breathing. The intercept of the V’E-V’CO2 relationship was lowest in patients with cardiovascular impairment. Conclusion: Dyspneic patients with malignancies exhibit dead space breathing, many exhibiting a circulatory source for exercise limitation with a prominent pulmonary vascular component. Potential factors include effects of chemo- and radiation therapy on cardiac function and pulmonary vascular endothelium.

Retrospective analysis of exercise capacity in patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft

Objectives:To describe the current state of exercise capacity as well as to identify its predictors in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in the mainland of China.Methods:A retrospective study design was employed.We evaluated 230 CAD patients following PCI or CABG in a cardiac rehabilitation center from January 2019 to October 2019.The patients were referred to undergo incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing with a cycle ergometer.The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale were used to evaluate patients' mental health.Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test,Fisher's exact test,t-test,Mann-Whitney U test,and binary logistic regression.Results:Among the 230 patients,223 patients demonstrated reduced exercise capacity.Resutlts of the logistic regression analysis showed that anxiety (OR =1.13,95% CI 1.01-1.32,P =0.029) was an independent risk factor for reduced exercise capacity in patients following the PCI or CABG.Conclusions:Exercise capacity of Chinese CAD patients after PCI or CABG was relatively poor.Alleviating symptoms of anxiety and making exercise prescriptions according to the results of the cardiopulmonary exercise test should be considered during the intervention to improve CAD patients' exercise capacity.

Shortness of breath in clinical practice: A case for left atrial function and exercise stress testing for a comprehensive diastolic heart failure workup

The symptom cluster of shortness of breath(SOB) contributes significantly to the outpatient workload of cardiology services. The workup of these patients includes blood chemistry and biomarkers, imaging and functional testing of the heart and lungs. A diagnosis of diastolic heart failure is inferred through the exclusion of systolic abnormalities, a normal pulmonary function test and normal hemoglobin, coupled with diastolic abnormalities on echocardiography. Differentiating confounders such as obesity or deconditioning in a patient with diastolic abnormalities is difficult. While the most recent guidelines provide more avenues for diagnosis, such as incorporating the left atrial size, little emphasis is given to understanding left atrial function, which contributes to at least 25% of diastolic left ventricular filling; additionally, exercise stress testing to elicit symptoms and test the dynamics of diastolic parameters, especially when access to the "gold standard" invasive tests is lacking, presents clinical translational gaps. It is thus important in diastolic heart failure work up to understand left atrial mechanics and the role of exercise testing to build a comprehensive argument for the diagnosis of diastolic heart failure in a patient presenting with SOB.

Heart rate response and recovery during exercise predict future delirium risk——A prospective cohort study in middle-to older-aged adults

Background:Delirium is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by an abrupt decline in attention,awareness,and cognition after surgical/illness-induced stressors on the brain.There is now an increasing focus on how cardiovascular health interacts with neurocognitive disorders given their overlapping risk factors and links to subsequent dementia and mortality.One common indicator for cardiovascular health is the heart rate response/recovery(HRR)to exercise,but how this relates to future delirium is unknown.Methods:Electrocardiogram data were examined in 38,740 middle-to older-aged UK Biobank participants(mean age=58.1 years,range:40-72 years;47.3%males)who completed a standardized submaximal exercise stress test(15-s baseline,6-min exercise,and 1-min recovery)and required hospitalization during follow-up.An HRR index was derived as the product of the heart rate(HR)responses during exercise(peak/resting HRs)and recovery(peak/recovery HRs)and categorized into low/average/high groups as the bottom quartile/middle 2 quartiles/top quartile,respectively.Associations between 3 HRR groups and new-onset delirium were investigated using Cox proportional hazards models and a2-year landmark analysis to minimize reverse causation.Sociodemographic factors,lifestyle factors/physical activity,cardiovascular risk,comorbidities,cognition,and maximal workload achieved were included as covariates.Results:During a median follow-up period of 11 years,348 participants(9/1000)newly developed delirium.Compared with the high HRR group(16/1000),the risk for delirium was almost doubled in those with low HRR(hazard ratio=1.90,95%)confidence interval(95%CI):1.30-2.79,p=0.001)and average HRR(hazard ratio=1.54,95%CI:1.07-2.22,p=0.020)).Low HRR was equivalent to being 6 years older,a current smoker,or>3 additional cardiovascular disease risks.Results were robust in sensitivity analysis,but the risk appeared larger in those with better cognition and when only postoperative delirium was considered(n=147;hazard ratio=2.66,95%CI:1.46-4.85,p=0.001).Conclusion:HRR during submaximal exercise is associated with future risk for delirium.Given that HRR is potentially modifiable,it may prove useful for neurological risk stratification alongside traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Association between physiological responses after exercise at low altitude and acute mountain sickness upon ascent is sex-dependent

Background:Acute mountain sickness(AMS)is the mildest form of acute altitude illnesses,and consists of nonspecific symptoms when unacclimatized persons ascend to elevation of≥2500 m.Risk factors of AMS include:the altitude,individual susceptibility,ascending rate and degree of pre-acclimatization.In the current study,we examined whether physiological response at low altitude could predict the development of AMS.Methods:A total of 111 healthy adult healthy volunteers participated in this trial;and 99(67 men and 32 women)completed the entire study protocol.Subjects were asked to complete a 9-min exercise program using a mechanically braked bicycle ergometer at low altitude(500 m).Heart rate,blood pressure(BP)and pulse oxygen saturation(SpO2)were recorded prior to and during the last minute of exercise.The ascent from 500 m to 4100 m was completed in 2 days.AMS was defined as≥3 points in a 4-item Lake Louise Score,with at least one point from headache wat 6–8 h after the ascent.Results:Among the 99 assessable subjects,47(23 men and 24 women)developed AMS at 4100 m.In comparison to the subjects without AMS,those who developed AMS had lower proportion of men(48.9%vs.84.6%,P<0.001),height(168.4±5.9 cm vs.171.3±6.1 cm,P=0.019),weight(62.0±10.0 kg vs.66.7±8.6 kg,P=0.014)and proportion of smokers(23.4%vs.51.9%,P=0.004).Multivariate regression analysis revealed the following independent risks for AMS:female sex(odds ratio(OR)=6.32,P<0.001),SpO2 change upon exercise at low altitude(OR=0.63,P=0.002)and systolic BP change after the ascent(OR=0.96,P=0.029).Women had larger reduction in SpO2 after the ascent,higher AMS percentage and absolute AMS score.Larger reduction of SpO2 after exercise was associated with both AMS incidence(P=0.001)and AMS score(P<0.001)in men but not in women.Conclusions:Larger SpO2 reduction after exercise at low altitude was an independent risk for AMS upon ascent.Such an association was more robust in men than in women.Trial registration:Chinese Clinical Trial Registration,ChiCTR1900025728.Registered 6 September 2019.

Serum oxidizability potential of ischemic heart disease patients is associated with exercise test results and disease severity

AIM:To find out whether serum oxidizability potential correlates with exercise test(EXT) parameters and predicts their results in chronic ischemic heart disease(IHD) patients.METHODS:Oxidizability potential was determined in a group of chronic IHD patients who underwent a symptom limited EXT upon initiation of a cardiac rehabilitation program.The thermo-chemiluminescence(TCL) assay was used to assess serum oxidizability potential.This assay is based on heat-induced oxidation of serum,leading to the formation of electronically excited species in the form of unstable carbonyls,which further decompose into stable carbonyls and light energy(low chemiluminescence).Measured photons emission is represented by a kinetic curve which is described by its amplitude and slope(= ratio).We assessed the correlations of TCL ratio with exercise duration,metabolic equivalents(METS),maximal heart rate(mHR),maximal systolic BP,> 1 mm S-T depression,diabetes,hypertension,smoking,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) > or < 40%,previous myocardial infarction,and aorto-coronary bypass surgery and compared to the TCL ratio measured in a group of healthy controls.RESULTS:A high TCL ratio(%) correlated well with METS(r = 0.84),with mHR(r = 0.79) and with exercise induced S-T segment shift(r = 0.87,P < 0.05).A lower serum oxidizability potential,expressed as a low TCL ratio,thus suggestive of a previous high oxidative stress,was found in IHD patients compared to healthy controls,and,in particular,in patients with low LVEF%.The TCL ratio(%) in IHD patients was 193 ± 21,compared to 215 ± 13 in controls(P < 0.05),and was 188 ± 14.7 in patients with LVEF < 40% as compared to 200 ± 11.9 in those with LVEF > 40%(P < 0.01).A trend for lower TCL ratio(%) was found in diabetic,hypertensive,and post-coronary bypass surgery patients.A paradoxically low TCL ratio(low oxidizability potential) was observed in patients without S-T depression compared to patients with S-T depression(189 ± 22 vs 201 ± 15,P = NS),due to the fact these patients had a much lower LVEF% and a lower exercise capacity.CONCLUSION:Serum oxidizability potential is associated with EXT parameters,results,and IHD severity.TCL ratio is an "easy-to-measure marker" that might be incorporated into risk assessment and prediction in chronic IHD patients.

佩戴口罩运动对心率、血氧饱和度及呼气末二氧化碳影响的Meta分析

目的:口罩是阻隔病毒最重要的防线之一,然而日常活动或运动时佩戴口罩对呼吸循环功能的影响尚存分歧。文章运用Meta分析方法综合定量评价佩戴口罩运动中的心率、血氧饱和度和呼气末二氧化碳,探讨在不同强度、时间运动中佩戴不同类型的口罩对人体呼吸循环系统的影响。方法:截至2023年2月,以“口罩,面罩,N95,训练,运动,跑步,步行,自行车”为中文检索词,以“Masks,Respiratory Protective Devices,N95 Respirators,Surgical Face Masks,Exercise,Resistance Training,Explosive training,Muscle Stretching Exercises”为英文检索词在中国知网和Web of Science、PubMed、Cochrane Library、万方网络数据库进行检索,收集佩戴口罩运动对血流动力学指标影响的试验研究。结局指标包括运动中心率、血氧饱和度和呼气末二氧化碳,共3个连续性变量,运用Stata 16.0软件对所纳入文献的结局指标进行分析,以PEDro量表作为质量评估的工具,采用漏斗图进行发表偏倚的分析。结果:共纳入25篇文献,含健康儿童及成年人共857人。PEDro量表评分6分的研究22项,7分的研究2项,8分的研究1项,总体文献方法学质量较高。Meta分析结果显示:①与对照组相比佩戴口罩进行运动对心率影响不显著(SMD=0.02,95%CI:-0.11-0.15,P=0.81),但会提高呼气末二氧化碳水平(SMD=0.60,95%CI:0.37-0.83,P=0.00),降低血氧饱和度(SMD=-0.28,95%CI:-0.47至-0.09,P=0.03);②强度与持续时间是影响研究间异质性的因素,佩戴口罩进行高强度运动会使心率显著升高(SMD=-0.20,95%CI:-0.36至-0.04,P=0.02),高强度、短时间运动对被试血氧饱和度的影响非常显著地高于其他运动(SMD=-0.40,95%CI:-0.70至-0.10;SMD=-0.25,95%CI:-0.45至-0.04);③对于呼气末二氧化碳水平而言,维持一定强度增加运动时间或进一步增加强度,该指标均会显著升高,达到中等效应量(SMD=0.61,95%CI:0.06-1.15;SMD=0.58,95%CI:0.04-1.13)。结论:①现有的证据表明,戴口罩运动可能有增加呼气末二氧化碳、降低血氧饱和度的不良影响。②不同运动测试时间、强度对3个结局指标的影响程度存在差异。③高强度运动中佩戴口罩会显著提升心率并降低血氧饱和度,维持中等强度进行长时间运动或进一步增加运动强度,均会导致呼气末二氧化碳水平增加。

Significance of Q-Tc,Q-Tr and A Q-Tc during Treadmill Exercise Test in Predicting Coronary Artery Disease

Seventy-eight patients underwent coronary angiography and submaximal tre-admill exercise test to evaluate the Q-Tc,Q-Tr and ΔQ-Tc criteria for predicting co-ronary artery disease(CAD).The sensitivity,specificity,predicting value and correctdiagnostic rate of the Q-Tc and Q-Tr criteria were 84,76,83,81 percent and 69,88,89,77 percent,respectively,which had no significant differences when compared with ST de-pression.The Q-Tc had higher specificity(94%)than that of ST depression but less sen-sitivity(58%).These criteria could reflect the severity of coronary artery disease identi-fied with coronary angiography.Therefore,these criteria are usefel to interpret the resultsof stress test.

Evaluation of Treadmill Exercise Test Induced U-wave Inversion in Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease

U-wave changes during treadmill exercise test were compared between 34 patientswith CAD and 33 normal controls.All of them were confirmed by coronary angiographv.Tenpatients with CAD and 1 normal subject in this study showed U-wave inversion during exercisetest.Of the 10 patients,4 had significant stenosis in one-vessel and 6 in multi-vessel of the ma-jor coronary arteries.The sensitivity,specificity and predictive value of exercise-inducedU-wave inversion were 29％, 97％ and 91％,respectively.It is proposed that exercise inducedU-wave inversion is a reliable predictive index of CAD.

Impact of training specificity on exercise-induced cardiac troponin elevation in professional athletes: A pilot study

BACKGROUND Release of cardiac biomarkers is common after strenuous endurance exercise,but data on intermittent exercise are scarce.It has not been investigated whether cardiac troponin elevation is influenced depending on the type of exercise that an athlete is adapted to perform.We hypothesized that intermittent but not continuous exercise induces cardiac troponin elevation in professional athletes adapted to high-intensity intermittent exercise.AIM To examine how training specificity impacts high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)release.METHODS Nine professional floorball players participated in the study,which comprised two different exercise tests:a continuous incremental cycle ergometer test and a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery 2(Yo-Yo IR2)test.Serial assessment of hs-cTnT was performed after the cycle ergometer test and the Yo-Yo IR2 test(baseline,0,2,6,and 24 h).RESULTS No hs-cTnT elevation above the myocardial damage cutoff(≥14 ng/L)was shown after the cycle ergometer test,whereas hs-cTnT levels rose over the cutoff in three of nine participants after the Yo-Yo IR2 test.The hs-cTnT levels peaked at 6 h after both tests,but were significantly higher after the Yo-Yo IR2 test compared to the cycle ergometer test(median hs-cTnT concentration 10.6 ng/L vs 7.8 ng/L,P=0.038).All levels returned to baseline within 24 h.CONCLUSION In professional athletes adapted to high-intensity intermittent exercise,hs-cTnT was significantly elevated after intermittent but not continuous exercise.This principle of specificity training should be considered when designing future studies to avoid misinterpretation of hs-cTnT elevation.

Determination of Total Flavonoids in Acanthopanax senticosus(Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms by Enzymolysis and Its Technological Optimization

In order to optimize the ultrasonic extraction technique for the total flavonoid of leaf yellows plus, the contents of 21 leaf yellows plus total flavonoid from four regions in Heilongjiang Province were comparatively analyzed. The ultrasonic extraction technology was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method, and the total flavonoid content of 21 kinds of Acanthopanax senticosus(Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms from different producing areas were analyzed by cluster analysis. The optimal process conditions were determined as ultrasonic time 30 min, solid-liquid ratio 1 : 12 and ultrasonic power 250 W, and the average yield of the total flavonoid was 1.453 mg·g^ (-1). By optimizing the ultrasonic-assisted extraction method, the total flavonoid content from different producing areas was compared in the experiment, which provided certain data support for the optimization of the extraction process in the future and laid a certain theoretical foundation for the quality analysis of Chinese medicinal materials.

Prognostic Value of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test in Elderly Women with Heart Failure and Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction

The prognostic role of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in elderly women with chronic heart failure (HF) has not yet been clarified. We assessed the incremental value of CPET variables for risk stratification in female HF patients with preserved or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We prospectively followed up 131 female HF outpatients aged 72 [interquartile range 62 - 77] years after a symptom limited CPET. 34% had ischemic heart disease and 14% permanent atrial fibrillation, 24% were in NYHA class III. LVEF was 50% [interquartile range 36 - 62], peak oxygen consumption was 11.3 [interquartile range 9.2 - 13.5] ml/kg/min;the slope of the regression line relating ventilation to CO2 output was 33.9 [interquartile range 30.3 - 44.9];40% of patients showed exercise oscillatory breathing during CPET. During a median follow-up of 18 months [interquartile range 8 - 54], overall 39 patients (29.7%) met the combined end-point of cardiovascular mortality or HF admission using a time-to-first event approach. Moderate to severe mitral regurgitation, slope, exercise oscillatory breathing were independently associated to cardiovascular mortality or HF admission. When CPET ventilatory variables were added to clinical and echocardiographic parameters, prediction of the combined point improved significantly (AUC 0.755 (95% CI 0.662 to 0.832) vs 0.634 (95% CI 0.536 to 0.725), p = 0.016). In conclusion, among elderly female HF patients the CPET derived parameters EOB and VE/VCO2 slope emerged as strong prognostic markers, with additive predictive value to clinical and echocardiographic parameters in patients with both reduced and preserved LVEF.

QRS Prolongation as an Indicator of Risk of lschemic Ventricular Arrhythmia in Treadmill Exercise Test

Objective:The clinical value of QRS prolngation as a indicator of risk ofischemic ventricular arthythmia induced by exercise in the patient withischemic heart disease.Methods:17 case patients with ventricular arthythmias were studiedbefore and after myocardial revascularization.These results werecompared with 19 control patients with no ventricular arrhythmia.Theresting and peak exercise electrocardiogram were examined with respectto QRS duration,ST-segment depression,and JT intervals.Result:The QRS duration at rest was similar in case and control patientsand increased significantly with exercise in both groups.However,theQRS prolongation was larger in the case group.In both groups,the QRSprolongation was associated with significant ST-segment depression.TheQRS prolongation】15msec predicted ischimia-related ventriculararrhythmia in 73% of the patients.After myocardial revascularization,there were no QRS prolongation with exercise in either group.Conclusion:QRS prolongation】14msec may be a useful indicator of riskof ischemic ventricular arrhythmia related to exercise in the patients withtschemie heart disease.

Autonomic Function in Individuals with Slow Heart Rate Response following an Exercise Stress Test

Objective: To examine the autonomic function using HRV measures in apparently healthy individuals undergoing exercise stress test (EST) and demonstrating slow HRR response. Methods: HRV was measured with 12 lead ECGs during graded EST and analyzed via a post-processing method. Autonomic function was determined by Power Spectral Analysis of the very low frequency (VLF), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and the ratio of LF/HF. We correlated HRV indices with resting, exercise, and recovery data. Results: No differences were found in anthropometric measurements, peak EST HR, and METS between individuals with slow HRR (below 18 b/min) compared with controls (HRR > 18 b/min). Only the VLF component of the HRV indices was statistically different (p = 0.03) at one-minute post-exercise compared with controls. Additionally, a significant correlation between HRR and resting LF and HF indices was found in the individuals with slow HRR but not in the controls. Conclusion: In apparently healthy individuals with slow HRR post-EST, autonomic function did not demonstrate any differences at any phase of the EST, including at one minute of recovery. However, a significant correlation was found between resting LF and HF powers and HRR in individuals with slow vagal reactivation post-exercise. The clinical and prognostic implications of such observation deserve further investigation.