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Technical
IVT
chronotropic incompetence
Pronunciation: kron-oh-TROP-ik in-KOM-peh-tense
Inability of the heart rate to increase appropriately during exercise or stress.
Full Definition
Chronotropic incompetence is defined as the failure to achieve at least 85% of age-predicted maximum heart rate during exercise testing, or an inadequate heart rate response relative to workload. This condition may indicate sinus node dysfunction, medication effects (particularly beta-blockers), or underlying cardiovascular disease. It is associated with reduced exercise capacity and may require adjustment of heart rate-limiting medications or consideration for pacemaker therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from chronotropic reserve, which refers to the difference between resting and maximum heart rate.
In Context
- "Exercise testing revealed chronotropic incompetence with peak heart rate of only 110 bpm." — Cardiac stress test report
- "Chronotropic incompetence may explain the patient's exercise intolerance despite normal ejection fraction." — Heart failure evaluation
Also known as
chronotropic insufficiency
Contrasted with
normal chronotropic response
Don't confuse with
inotropic dysfunction
autonomic dysfunction