Five-year cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, and myocardial infarction in all subjects referred for exercise testing in two Danish counties.

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 (900000 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.