Relationship between systolic time intervals and heart rate during four circulatory stress tests.

The linear regression equations between heart rate and systolic time intervals were calculated before and during a handgrip test, an orthostatic test, the Valsalva test and a cold pressor test. The subjects were 30 healthy men, average age 20 years. During the 1st min of orthostasis the regression line of the left ventricular ejection time (LVET) was significantly (P less than 0.05) steeper than at rest and that of the pre-ejection period (PEP) was significantly (P less than 0.01) less steep than at rest, and the regression between HR and the PEP/LVET ratio deviated significantly (P less than 0.001) from zero. During the Valsalva maneuver, the regression line of the LVET became significantly (P less than 0.001) steeper than at rest and the regression coefficient of the PEP changed from negative to positive, the difference being significant (P less than 0.001); the regression between HR and the PEP/LVET also deviated significantly (P less than 0.001) from zero. During the cold pressor test the regression line of the electromechanic systole (Q-S2 time) was significantly (P less than 0.01) less steep than at rest. It was concluded that the use of regression equations calculated for the systolic time intervals and heart rate at rest can lead to errors when applied to rate correction of systolic time intervals during an orthostatic, Valsalva, or a cold pressor test.