Left ventricular diastolic and systolic function during isometric exercise: An echocardiographic study

Abstract

Summary: Normal subjects of both sexes between 20 and 63 years were examined with M-mode echocardiography . ~Iood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR). and left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic function were measured at rest and at the end of a standardized maximal isometric handgrip test. BP and HR increased about 25 % . This increase in cardiac work had no significant influence o n LV systolic function. Diastolic function (myocardial relaxation and m;iximum rate of LV filling), however. improved significantly. Isometric handgrip test is a suitable exercise test in combination with M-mode echocardiography. Studies on LV function during exercise may improve the sensitivity for detection of mild LV dysfunction.

Echocardiography during submaximal isometric exercise in children with repaired coarctation of the aorta compared with controls

“…Currently, follow-up includes blood pressure measurements and echocardiography at rest, completed with bicycle ergometry 10. Exercise testing plays an essential role because haemodynamic parameters may be normal at rest but changes may appear first during exercise 5 19 24. Exercise-induced hypertension is assumed to be a predictor of arterial hypertension 12 19 35.…”

“…To detect LV dysfunction, echocardiography was used. Images of good quality are easy to obtain during isometric stress testing but next to impossible during bicycle ergometry 24. In cardiovascular disorders with increased afterload, like CoA, isometric handgrip test could be interesting in unmasking latent LV dysfunction.…”

“…Isometric handgrip test is a sustained submaximal stress test 23. The fact that this test causes limited movement of the body implies that a simultaneous echocardiography is possible 24. The complementary use of echocardiography during exercise may aid in the early detection of abnormalities in patients with a repaired coarctation 15 25…”