The Value of Exercise Systolic Blood Pressure as an Indicator for Coronary Artery Disease in Normotensive Men

Abstract Aim: We investigated if rates of systolic blood pressure to workloads during exercise can independently predict coronary artery disease. Methods: 78 normotensive men with normal blood pressure who had exercise ECG stress test and a coronary angiography within 30 days were enrolled in the study. Basic features of all the patients were also compared. The rates of systolic blood pressure to workloads at the first stage, peak exercise, second, fourth and sixth minute of recovery were compared in normotensive men with both normal and abnormal coronary arteries. Statistical analysis: t test and stepwise regression was used. Results: The rates of systolic blood pressure to workloads were statistically importantly higher in men with normal blood pressure which had coronary artery disease compared to those with normal coronary arteries and normal blood pressure. Conclusions: In men with normal blood pressure high levels of systolic blood pressure to workload rates at the first stage to the end of exercise test can independently predict the presence of coronary artery disease, even in non-conclusive stress tests or when ECG doesn’t show any change during exercise.