Relationship of ST segment/heart rate slope index and ST segment change index scores on the heart rate change during conventional stress test with the presentation of new cardiovascular events

Introduction Conventional stress test is a diagnostic tool easy to interpret and of easy access frequently used in the assessment of chest pain; however, its operational characteristics are influenced by multiple variables, resulting in a limited ability for global prediction of cardiovascular outcomes. The use of indexes and additional variables in their interpretation could improve prediction of cardiovascular outcomes. Methods By conducting a descriptive, analytical and retrospective study, the relationship and prediction ability of the slope ST/HR and ΔST/ΔHR indexes with the development of cardiovascular events were assessed at one year. Out of a total of 438 studies, 138 were selected that complied with the evaluation criteria. A descriptive analysis of the variables of interest was carried out, and later on a univariate and multivariate analysis of the different variables and outcomes of interest. Conclusions A statistically significant relationship was found between exercise capacity, ST/HR slope index and the development of cardiovascular events, without findings of a significant relationship with the ΔST/ΔHR slope index. A discreet improvement of the global prediction capacity of the conventional stress test with the addition of the ST/HR slope index (AUC 0.70 to AUC 0.74) is observed.