THE ANOXIA TEST IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CORONARY INSUFFICIENCY

Abstract

The diagnosis of coronary sclerosis is usually dependent on the clinical history of pain in the chest or arm, invoked by effort and relieved by rest. In certain cases an apparent constant correlation exists between the occurrence of pain and the amount of increased demand on the heart for work, but in many other cases the occurrence of pain is not related consistently to increased effort or other cause. Because of the vagaries of the symptom complex of angina pectoris, the diagnosis may be difficult to establish. Consequently, any objective method for confirming or excluding a diagnosis of coronary sclerosis would be of immediate interest to the clinician, particularly if the test was applicable from the standpoint of time and material, was harmless to the patient and could be definitely interpreted. A number of observers have noted the reaction of so-called normal persons and of persons who have coronary disease