Functional Examination of the Cardiovascular System in Children

Overview

Loading tests have become an integral part of investigations of the cardiovascular and respiratory system during physical activity in children and adolescents. The authors describe the method of bicycle ergometry in children. For examination they use James’ modified protocol. The advantage of this protocol is that it takes account of the dynamic development of the child. This protocol makes it possible to follow up and evaluate continuously the growing organism by comparing the examined parameters with the appropriate values for the given developmental period. In addition to the methodological procedure the authors draw attention to the use of ergometric loading tests in child cardiology. They present a review of indications and contraindications of examinations, draw attention to practical experience assembled in examinations of patients with different cardiovascular diseases. They confirm the experience that a properly implemented loading test in the child population can be evaluated objectively and holds a permanent place among non-invasive examination methods in child cardiology.

Key words:
loading tests, bicycle ergometry, indications, contraindications, cardiovascular diseases