Pulse oximetry parameters to augment detection of myocardial ischemia – A feasibility study

Background: Because ST segment displacement on the ECG is sensitive but nonspecific for identifying episodes of ischemia, e.g. during exercise testing and extended periods of patient monitoring, echocardiography or radionuclide imaging is often used to augment the ECG. Unfortunately, these imaging tests are expensive and are impractical for continuous monitoring. Myocardial ischemia is associated with increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR) due to increased peripheral alpha-adrenergic sympathetic tone and this increased SVR typically helps elevate arterial blood pressure (BP).
Source: Journal of Electrocardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research