Interpreting Stress ECG Results

Stress Electrocardiography (ECG), also known as stress testing or exercise ECG, is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating cardiac function during physical stress. It is commonly used to detect coronary artery disease (CAD), assess exercise capacity, and identify potential cardiac abnormalities. Interpreting the ECG results obtained during stress testing requires a comprehensive understanding of the patterns and changes that may occur. This guide will explain how to interpret various ECG waveform patterns and changes, including ST-segment alterations, arrhythmias, and other abnormalities, with reference to the provided source.

 

Understanding the Basics of Stress ECG

Before diving into the interpretation of ECG patterns during stress testing, it is essential to understand the fundamentals of a stress ECG:

1. Baseline ECG: The patient’s resting ECG is recorded initially, serving as a reference point for comparison with subsequent recordings during stress.

2. Exercise or Pharmacological Stress: The patient is subjected to physical exercise on a treadmill or pharmacological stress using medications like dobutamine or adenosine, while ECG is continuously monitored.

3. Recording Continuity: ECG recording continues throughout the stress test, including during the exercise and recovery phases, allowing for the assessment of dynamic changes.

 

Interpreting ST-Segment Changes

ST-segment changes are one of the most critical aspects of stress ECG interpretation. They can indicate myocardial ischemia and CAD. Here’s how to interpret ST-segment changes:

ST-Segment Elevation: This is a significant and highly concerning finding. It typically implies acute myocardial infarction or myocardial injury. ST-segment elevation is defined as an elevation of at least 1 mm (0.1 mV) in all leads other than leads V2-V3, where the following criteria apply: ≥2.5 mm (0.25 mV) in men under 40 years, ≥2.0 mm (0.2 mV) in men aged 40 and older, and ≥1.5 mm (0.15 mV) in women at any age.

ST-Segment Depression: This is a more common finding during stress testing and often signifies myocardial ischemia. It is defined as horizontal or downsloping ST-segment depression of at least 1 mm below the baseline, occurring 60-80 ms after the J-point. The amount of depression and its duration are essential for evaluation.

ST-Segment Elevation in aVR: Isolated ST-segment elevation in lead aVR during stress is an alarming sign and may indicate left main coronary artery disease.

ST-Segment Resolution: After exercise, the ST-segment elevation should return to baseline within a few minutes. Prolonged elevation indicates ongoing ischemia.

T-Wave Changes: T-wave inversion or flattening can occur as a sign of myocardial ischemia. However, it is essential to differentiate this from primary T-wave abnormalities.

 

Interpreting Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias can also be observed during stress testing and may have various implications:

1. Sinus Tachycardia: An expected response to exercise stress, it is typically not concerning on its own.

2. Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs): Isolated PVCs during exercise are usually benign. However, frequent PVCs or PVCs occurring in pairs or triplets might indicate an increased risk of arrhythmias.

3. Supraventricular Arrhythmias: Atrial fibrillation or other supraventricular arrhythmias may occur during stress testing and often require further evaluation.

4. Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Sustained VT during exercise is a concerning sign and may suggest underlying structural heart disease.

5. Bradycardia: Excessive bradycardia during exercise may be due to conduction system abnormalities and should be further evaluated.

 

Interpreting Other Abnormalities

In addition to ST-segment changes and arrhythmias, other abnormalities in the ECG waveform should be noted:

Q-Waves: Pathological Q-waves in the ECG may indicate a prior myocardial infarction or significant myocardial damage.

Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB): LBBB can obscure the interpretation of ST-segment changes. If a new LBBB is noted during stress testing, it should be considered a concerning finding.

Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB): RBBB can also affect the interpretation of stress ECG. It may lead to false-positive results, and careful evaluation is necessary.

Axis Deviation: Changes in the QRS axis may suggest underlying heart disease and should be considered in the context of other findings.

Poor R-Wave Progression: Poor progression of R-waves across the precordial leads may be indicative of a prior anterior myocardial infarction.

 

Real-Life Application and Clinical Scenarios

Interpreting ECG results during stress testing is critical in various clinical scenarios:

1. Symptomatic Patients: In individuals with symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath during exercise, an abnormal stress ECG may confirm the presence of CAD.

2. Screening for CAD: In asymptomatic individuals at risk for CAD, a positive stress ECG can serve as an early diagnostic tool, prompting further evaluation and intervention.

3. Assessing Post-Infarction Patients: For those who have experienced a heart attack, stress ECG is used to evaluate the extent of myocardial damage and identify areas at risk for ischemia.

4. Risk Stratification: Stress ECG is valuable in risk stratification, helping determine the need for more advanced cardiac testing or interventions.

 

Wrapping Up

Interpreting ECG patterns and changes during stress testing is a fundamental skill for healthcare providers in the field of cardiology. ST-segment alterations, arrhythmias, and other abnormalities all provide essential clues to a patient’s cardiovascular health. A comprehensive understanding of these patterns, along with clinical context, is crucial in making accurate diagnoses, guiding treatment decisions, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Stress ECG remains a valuable tool in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular disease.