Prognostic Score of Shetler et al Using Heart Rate Recovery After Exercise Testing

Testing was done on a treadmill using a standard protocol. After maximal tolerated exercise was reached, the patients were placed in a supine position; a cool-down walk was not performed.

Parameters:

(1) age in years

(2) presence of angina pectoris during the exercise test (variable value = 1 if angina definitely present, else 0)

(3) heart rate drop from maximum at 2 minutes after exercise stopped

(4) MET level during exercise (estimated from treadmill speed and grade)

heart rate drop at 2 minutes in beats per minute =

= (maximal heart rate achieved) – (heart rate at 2 minutes after exercise stopped)

prognostic score =

= (age in years) + (10 * (value for angina pectoris)) – (heart rate drop at 2 minutes) – (5 * (MET level))

Interpretation:

• minimum score: < 0

• maximum score: > 50

• The higher the score, the greater the risk.

from Figure 5, page1984