The Decholin Exercise Test, A Method for Determining Latent Congestive Failure

¹ Attending Cardiologist, St. Vincent's Hospital
² Associate Resident in Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital

1. A modification of the standard Decholin circulation time, entitled the Decholin Exercise Test, has been presented as a means of detecting latent congestive failure.

2. The procedure can be used as a measure of the efficacy of therapy, either initial or maintenance, in this condition.

3. In a series of 26 patients with latent congestive failure, the test gave seemingly accurate results in 96.7 per cent of the patients studied.

4. Clinical improvement paralleled improved testing results.

5. The test was valuable in differentiating angina pectoris due solely to coronary artery insufficiency from that coupled with early congestive heart failure.

6. In 14 patients with pulmonary disease thought to be free of cardiac complications, the resting Decholin circulation times were somewhat prolonged. Exercise resulted in the normal shortening of the circulation time.

7. The Decholin Exercise Test is relatively safe, rapid, and simple to perform.