Screening for ischaemic heart disease by maximal exercise testing as part of the extended PULHHEEMS examination--the first 10 years.

Exercise tests have been an integral part of the extended PULHHEEMS examination since its inception in 1983. In the first 10 years a total of 240 individuals have been examined and 180 (75%) have had normal exercise tests. Individuals with an abnormal test who wished further assessment (58) were subjected to an exercise thallium scan. Of these 36 were normal allowing reassurance of the individual. Of the 22 abnormal scans 15 were subjected to regular follow-up whilst 7 were sufficiently abnormal to merit angiography. Of the seven patients who had angiography one was normal, 3 had significant coronary artery disease and 3 had mitral valve prolapse.