Effect of percutaneous coronary intervention on heart rate recovery in patients with coronary artery disease

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effect of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on heart rate recovery (HRR) in patients with angiographically defined coronary artery disease, and to search for a noninvasive method for evaluating the effect of revascularization.MethodsFrom June 2012 to July 2013, 56 consecutive male patients with coronary artery disease were enrolled in the PCI group. Correspondingly, in the control group there were 56 consecutive male patients with chest pain but a normal coronary artery verified by angiography. The exercise treadmill test was performed 3 days before and 7 days after intervention in the PCI group, and 3 days before angiography in the control group.ResultsThe peak heart rate, metabolic equivalents, and the Duke score were notably lower in the PCI group before intervention compared with the control group (P<0.01). In contrast, preintervention ST depression in the PCI group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). Preintervention HRR values from 1 to 6min were much lower in the PCI group compared with the control group (P<0.01). HRR values from 1 to 6min in the PCI group post intervention increased significantly compared with preintervention HRR values (P<0.01), especially at 3, 4, 5, and 6min. HRR values at 1, 2, and 3min increased sharply post intervention.ConclusionSuccessful revascularization through PCI could improve HRR in patients with major coronary artery involvement. Moreover, HRR measurement may be used as a noninvasive method for evaluating the effect of revascularization.