[Evaluation of cardiac function in patients with ischemic heart disease in the early stages of controlled physical exercise].

Fifty-nine coronary patients and 20 clinically normal subjects were investigated. Coronarography was performed in 21 patients. Everybody was referred to one of the three functional classes. Central hemodynamic parameters were measured using tetrapolar chest rheography. Venous levels of lactic and pyruvic acids were also measured. The measurements were taken in resting conditions and under threefold increase in systemic oxygen consumption following bicycle ergometry in supine position. Three types of response were identified: normal, compensated and decompensated ones. On the basis of these, functional reserves of the heart can be evaluated at earlier stages of rationed exercise, this being particularly important for coronary patients not to be exposed to maximum and submaximum physical stress.