Rev. DERC (Online) 2021; 27(1): 69-72
Heart Rate Recovery Prognostic Values on Exercise Testing
Abstract
Since the 1990s, the hypothesis that reducing vagal action increased mortality in cardiac patients and healthy adults has been suggested. Based on this premise, studies came that evaluated the possibility of relating the reduction of HR in the phase of recovery of the exercise stress test (ET) with prognostic implication. This review aimed to perform a critical analysis of studies that evaluated the HR response after effort, and its correlation with cardiovascular outcomes. Pubmed’s virtual health library was available, available online on the Medline database, where articles published from 1992 to 2019 were analyzed. It was found that there are several studies published on the subject, however without standardization of the methodology, with several findings. The cut-off value for Heart Rate Recovery (RFC) ranged from 12 to 13 bpm in the first minute and from 22 to 42 bpm in the second minute of active recovery. In passive recovery, the RFC ranged from 12 to 21 bpm. It was concluded that, although the RFC is an important parameter in the evaluation of the patient during the ET, further studies are needed so that its prognostic value in relation to general and cardiovascular mortality is established.
Keywords: Exercise Test; Heart Rate; Prognosis
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