Functional significance of premature ventricular complex morphology evaluated during treadmill exercise stress test in patients with coronary artery disease.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relation between premature ventricular complexes morphology and left ventricular myocardial systolic function in patients with proved coronary artery disease.


METHODS
Department of Cardiology at General Hospital.


METHODS
From 112 patients (pts) with proved coronary artery disease, thirty-three pts with premature ventricular complexes (PVC) detected during treadmill exercise stress test were selected. Two groups of pts were considered: group I-20 pts with regular contour or with a narrow notching (< 40 ms; type I PVC) and group II-13 patients with wide notching (> 40 ms; type II PVC). In each group the following parameters were studied: ejection fraction, QRS duration, duration of exercise, number of metabolic units and the prevalence of ventricular aneurysm and mitral regurgitation.


RESULTS
Statistical significant differences were found between group I and II concerning the mean ejection fraction (59.2% vs 48.6%; p < 0.05). The prevalence of ventricular aneurysm and mitral regurgitation was higher in patients with type II ventricular premature complexes (10% vs 30%).


CONCLUSIONS
Particular characteristics of premature ventricular complexes detected during treadmill exercise stress test, in patients with proved coronary artery disease, suggest the presence of left ventricular myocardial systolic dysfunction.
Antunes
E
E
Department of Cardiology, Santa Marta Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal.
Galrinho
A
A
Ferreira
R
R
Catarino
C
C
Serra
J
J
de Oliveira
M
M
da Silva
N
N
Quininha
J
J
Ferreira
M
M
Rato
J A
JA
D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology*