Citation

Wendt T, Scherer D, Kaltenbach M. Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. 1984; 109(4): 123-127.

Vernacular Title

Lebensbedrohliche Komplikationen bei 1741106 Ergometrien.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

10.1055/s-2008-1069151

PMID

6692777

Abstract

No life-threatening complications occurred in exercise-testing in 384 938 athletes. Among 1 356 168 patients the most frequent complication was ventricular fibrillation (1:15 000). The step test was associated with a two-fold diminution of fibrillations when compared to bicycle ergometry in the supine position and with a four-fold decrease when compared to conventional bicycle ergometry. Pulmonary oedema, a typical complication, occurred once in 29 000 bicycle ergometries in supine position. Infarctions were seen 3.5 times more frequently between 1950 and 1977 (1:26 000) than in the following four years (1:92 000). Fatal cardiac infarction occurred in 1:42 000 before 1978 and in 1:644 000 thereafter. It was the sole cause of death. Present data show a potentially life-threatening risk of 1:9000 ergometries in patients. Considering the favourable trend at present, a risk of 1:12 000 can be expected in conditions of an experienced investigator. Defibrillation facilities ready for use must be available in any ergometry.

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