Exercise tests. A survey of procedures, safety, and litigation experience in approximately 170,000 tests

摘要: This report surveys the techniques, safety and litigation experience of 170,000 exercise stress tests performed in 73 medical centers. Procedures results varied but certain patterns emerged: (1) A history was required before testing 89% centers, a physical examination 97%, resting electrocardiogram 57%. (2) Active cardiac disease precluded testing. (3) Informed consent sought 75% written form 30%. (4) Specific test-interruption criteria involved symptoms, signs, ECG findings. (5) Progressive workloads were employed by 73%. (6) Full resuscitation facilities available. (7) The mortality about 1 per 10,000 (16 170,000). (8) Combined mortalitymorbidity 4 tests. (9) Mortality not clearly related to type test. (10) Successful litigation, with an out-of-court settlement reported one instance.