The effect of a standardized psychological stressor on the cardiovascular response to physical effort soon after uncomplicated myocardial infarction.
To determine whether a standardized psychological stressor combined with physical stress might disclose ischemic abnormalities not evident with physical stress alone, 30 men, mean age 54, were evaluated seven weeks after clinically uncomplicated myocardial infarction. In the first 20 patients, two symptom-limited treadmill tests (TM) were performed on the same day, with and without superimposed psychological quiz (Q). In the next 10 consecutive patients, the Q was administered at a submaximal level (4 METs). When TM and TM + Q responses were compared, no significant differences were noted in the maximal levels of heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), rate pressure product, or in the prevalence of ischemic ST segment depression or angina pectoris. The HR and double product at which ischemic ST segment depression and angina pectoris appeared were similar for the two types of testing. The psychological stress of a psychological quiz may not, of course, approximate the effect of the more severe stressors individuals may encounter in their daily routines.
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000523:psychology; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D006339:Heart Rate; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000523:psychology*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*