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Abstract
Objective—To examine the association between exercise test results and the 5‐year cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality, and myocardial infarction, in patients referred for exercise testing because of known or suspected coronary heart disease.
Design—A study of all patients (N = 2763) who in 1996 had an exercise test in two Danish counties (900 000 inhabitants). Data and follow‐up were based on medical records and general administrative healthcare and population registries.
Results—Abnormal tests, compared with normal ones, were associated with an increased adjusted cardiovascular mortality ratio of 1.77 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–2.63), all‐cause mortality ratio of 1.46 (95% CI: 1.11–1.93), and myocardial infarction ratio of 1.71 (95% CI: 1.28–2.28). Inconclusive tests, compared with normal ones, were associated with an increased adjusted all‐cause mortality ratio of 1.52 (95% CI: 1.05–2.20) and myocardial infarction ratio of 1.67 (95% CI: 1.12–2.56). A history of myocardial infarction increased the cardiovascular death ratio by 1.51 (95% CI: 1.05–2.16) and the myocardial infarction ratio by 2.39 (95% CI: 1.84–3.10).
Conclusion—Over a 5‐year period, the result of the bicycle exercise test was clearly associated with both mortality and risk of myocardial infarction. An inconclusive test may deserve special attention.