The value of exercise tests after acute myocardial infarction

The aim of the present study was to relate the clinical course in patients after a first acute myocardial infarction with the response to exercise-tests performed one month after discharge. 90 consecutive patients who suffered an acute myocardial infarction for the first time were followed-up after 12 months in general practice. Six patients had died, and nine patients had suffered another MI. 23 patients were being treated for heart failure, 51 for angina pectoris, and 8 for arrhythmias. 14 patients received treatment for both heart failure and angina pectoris. Of the patients at work, 17.6% did not return to work because of the heart disease. 80 patients were in function groups I-II and 10 in function groups III-IV (New York Heart Association's Classification). Occurrence of ST-segment displacements was without prognostic value. Left ventricular function index (dRPP) and working capacity (W) were predictive with respect to mortality, heart failure, and angina pectoris requiring drug treatment. Exercise tests following acute myocardial infarction could not predict the chances of returning to work.