AIM: Graded exercise testing (GXT) is used in @entity453 ( @entity453 ) prevention and rehabilitation programs. In @entity1 , this test has a decreased accuracy and predictive value but there are few studies that examine the predictors of a verified positive test. The aim of this study was to determine those pretest variables that might enhance the predictive value of the GXT in @entity1 clients. METHODS: Medical records of 1761 @entity1 referred for GXT's over a 5 yr period of time were screened. Demographic, medical, and exercise test variables were analyzed. The GXT's of 403 @entity1 were available for inclusion and they were stratified into 3 groups: positive responders that were subsequently shown to have @entity453 (N.=28 verified positive [VP]), positive responders that were not shown to have @entity453 (N.=84 non-verified positive [NVP]) and negative GXT responders (N.=291). Both univariate and a multivariate step-wise regression statistics were performed on this data. RESULTS: Pretest variables that differentiated between VP and NVP groups are: (an older age=65.8 vs. 60.2 yrs. P<0.05; a greater BMI=30.8 vs. 28.8 kg/m2; @entity6 status or an elevated fasting @entity413 =107.4 vs. 95.2 mg/dL P<0.05; and the use of some cardiovascular medications. Our subsequent linear regression analysis emphasized that HDL @entity165 and beta blocker usage were the most predictive of a positive exercise test in this cohort. CONCLUSION: The American Heart Association recommends GXT's in @entity1 with an intermediate pretest probability of @entity453 . But there are only two clinical variables available prior to testing to make this probability decision: age and quality of @entity662 . This study outlined that other pre-exercise test variables such as: BMI, blood chemistry ( @entity413 and lipoprotein levels) and the use of cardiovascular medications are useful in clinical decision making. These pre-exercise test variables improved the predictive value of the GXT's in our sample.

Pretest variables that improve the predictive value of exercise testing in XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'patients'] @entity662 :: ('MESH:D002637', 'Disease') :: ['chest pain'] @entity6 :: ('MESH:D003920', 'Disease') :: ['diabetes'] @entity453 :: ('MESH:D003324', 'Disease') :: ['CAD', 'coronary artery disease'] @entity413 :: ('MESH:D005947', 'Chemical') :: ['glucose'] @entity165 :: ('MESH:D002784', 'Chemical') :: ['cholesterol']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['women']
