Coronary artery disease is common in asymptomatic patients with signs of myocardial ischemia.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in totally asymptomatic patients with myocardial ischemia during stress testing is unknown.


METHODS
54 patients with asymptomatic myocardial ischemia participated in the Swiss Interventional Study on Silent Ischemia type I (SWISSI I). Asymptomatic myocardial ischemia was verified by bicycle ergometry and stress imaging (echocardiography or scintigraphy). Findings from coronary angiographies in the course of the study constituted the main outcome.


RESULTS
Of the 54 study participants, 29 patients (53.7%) underwent coronary angiography. CAD was found in 27 of 29 patients (93.1%). In those 27 patients with CAD, 9 patients (33.3%) suffered from single vessel disease, 9 patients (33.3%) from two vessel disease, and 9 patients (33.3%) from triple vessel disease. Two patients showed left main coronary artery stenosis.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows a high incidence of relevant CAD among totally asymptomatic patients with myocardial ischemia during stress testing. Previously healthy subjects with exercise-induced ST-segment depression at check-up examinations, even if asymptomatic, should have further diagnostic evaluation.
Department of Geriatrics, University of Bern Hospital Inselspital Bern, Switzerland.
Andreas W
AW
Schoenenberger
Peiman
P
Jamshidi
Michel
M
Zuber
Andreas E
AE
Stuck
Matthias
M
Pfisterer
Paul
P
Erne
D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*