Chronotropic Incompetence in Diabetic Elderly on Echocardiography

For practical purpose, most studies define CI as the incapacity to reach 80% of heart rate (HR) reserve according to the formula: HR reserve = (peak HR – resting HR) / (maximum HR – resting HR) x 100. It has been suggested that the definition of CI should be assessed when the diagnostic method uses positive inotropic drugs to induce HR increase. It is necessary to better understand which practical concept of CI applies to the pharmacological stress echocardiography method to study the prognosis of those who have chronotropic incompetence according to that method. The prognostic value of CI probably does not depend on the method used; however, the diagnosis of patients with CI should be well established.