Question

During a hospital treadmill exercise test, cardiac abnormality is suggested by 

A. A heart rate greater than 150 beats per minute. 

B. A systolic arterial pressure greater than 150 mmHg. 

C. ST depression greater than 5 mm in the ECG. 

D. Inability to follow the usual protocol because of discomfort in the legs. 

E. A falling systolic arterial pressure during the test.

Answer 1

A. False This would be the predicted normal for someone of 70 years of age. 

B. False Systolic pressure rises to 200 mmHg in fit young people. 

C. True This level indicates severely inadequate blood flow (ischaemia) – the threshold for definite abnormality is around 3 mm (0.3 mV) depression. 

D. False The abnormality (inadequate flow, muscle fatigue etc.) is in the legs. 

E. True This means the heart is failing to pump adequately and is a serious sign.