Effect of ascending an ordinary flight of stairs on the work of the heart; observations on normal individuals and on patients with coronary heart disease

Observations of cardiac work were made in normal persons and in patients with coronary heart disease after ascending an ordinary staircase at various rates of speed. Cardiac output was calculated from records obtained with the low frequency, critically-damped ballistocardiograph. The results were co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Circulation (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 1951-02, Vol.3 (2), p.224-229
Main Authors: MATHERS, J A L, GRIFFEATH, H I, LEVY, R L, NICKERSON, J L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary Disease
Heart
Humans
Old Medline
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Summary:Observations of cardiac work were made in normal persons and in patients with coronary heart disease after ascending an ordinary staircase at various rates of speed. Cardiac output was calculated from records obtained with the low frequency, critically-damped ballistocardiograph. The results were compared, for statistical significance, with those noted following descent and after walking for an equivalent distance on the level. It appears that the compensated coronary patient can mount a flight of stairs leisurely without imposing a greatly increased burden of work on the heart. The optimal rate of ascent usually is the one chosen by the individual.
ISSN:0009-7322
1524-4539
DOI:10.1161/01.CIR.3.2.224