Pulse Pressure Response to a Standard Exercise Stress

The response of pulse pressure to a standard exercise stress was utilized as the basis for an exercise tolerance test measuring left ventricular efficiency. Clinically normal individuals and asymptomatic individuals who had had a myocardial infarction were studied. Significant differences were noted between these groups. A phenomenon described as a "lag in response" was detected in many subjects with coronary artery disease. This may be a reflection of the delay in oxygen use and in other metabolic activities demonstrated by diseased myocardial tissue after an exercise stress.