Bruce Protocol Cardiovascular Investigations

• Exercise tolerance test for Angina:

  • gradually increases intensity, by increasing incline and speed, in attempt to increase myocardial oxygen demand to see if demand outweighs supply due to narrowing of the arteries
  • need to look out for symptoms such as chest pain and whether there is any ST segment depression
• Exercise tolerance test - Bruce Protocol:

  • stage 1 and 2 are part of the modified Bruce, a normal Bruce starts at stage 3

  
• What the Bruce Protocol Measures?

  • symptom limited - measures chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness
  • measures peak aerobic capacity
  • measures heart rate and blood pressure response to exercise
  • measures ST segment depression
  • assesses the presence of arrhythmias