Evaluation of routine functional testing after percutaneous coronary intervention

Following percutaneous coronary intervention, 348 patients were randomized to either routine or selective functional testing strategies. For the primary end point of maximal exercise endurance on a treadmill at 9 months, achievement was similar in the routine and selective groups. For the secondary end points measuring functional status and quality of life, scores were also similar. There was little difference in the rates of invasive cardiac procedures for the 2 groups at 9 months. (C) 2004 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.