title: A basic approach to the interpretation of the exercise test.
abstract: To interpret the exercise test, the following parameters need to be evaluated: the heart rate and blood pressure response, symptoms, dysrhythmias, aerobic capacity, and evidence for myocardial ischemia. When analyzing the ST segment for ischemia, the amount and type of ST depression and the time of onset and resolution are examined. The exercise test results are best used to determine a post-test probability that the patient has significant coronary disease, predict its severity, and provide a prognosis of the patient. The test allows primary care physicians to decide which patients with coronary artery disease can be safely managed medically and which high-risk patients need further evaluation and consideration for revascularization.
authors.affiliation: The Family Practice Residency Program, Bayfront Medical Center, 700 Sixth Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mendold
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Ellestad
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000175:diagnosis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005080:Exercise Test; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011320:Primary Health Care; D018570:Risk Assessment