Stress testing in persons above the age of 65 years: applicability and diagnostic value of a standardized maximal symptom-limited testing protocol.
A standardized symptom-limited stress test on a bicycle ergometer in semisupine position is examined in regard to its applicability in patients over the age of 65. The test protocol allows for exercise at full capacity in the elderly. Its value for diagnosis of coronary heart disease is equivalent with its value in the younger patients' group. In 167 patients above 65 years, there occurred only one case of pulmonary rales with exercise, no other complication could be observed (0.568%). Standardized, symptom-limited stress testing appears to be a simple, highly diagnostic and safe method for testing exercise capacity or diagnosing coronary heart disease in the elderly as in younger persons.
D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies