ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of gender on heart rate adjustment of ST segment depression (ST/HR) for identifying coronary arteriosclerotic disease. METHODS: One hundred and seventy three patients with suspected coronary disease (CAD) were referred for a routine treadmill exercise electrocardiogram and subsequently they underwent selective coronary angiography within 3 weeks. The magnitude of ST segment depression, ST/HR slope and calculated ST/HR index are performed by a computerized ECG system; exercise was performed according to the cornell protocol. CAD was defined by coronary angiography. We divided the patients into two groups by gender. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity for identifying CAD with ST/HR slope and ST/HR index were all significantly greater than that of standard electrocardiographic test criteria (P <0.05). Compared with standard criteria, the sensitivity for identifying CAD of ST/HR slope and ST/HR index increased 23% and 16% in men, 50% and 42% in women respectively; all difference were statistically significant (P <0.05). The specificity for identifying CAD with ST/HR slope and ST/HR index increased 58% and 50% in women, with no increase in men. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that sensitivity and specificity for identifying CAD with ST/HR slope and ST/HR index were all significantly higher than those with standard electrocardiographic test criteria in selected women patients. Sensitivity were significantly increased in selected men patients, with no significant change in specificity.
