Chronotropic Incompetence
Pronunciation: KRON-oh-trop-ik in-KOM-peh-tens
The inability of the heart rate to increase appropriately with exercise or metabolic demand, commonly seen in elderly patients.
Full Definition
Chronotropic incompetence refers to the impaired ability of the heart rate to increase adequately in response to physiological stress, exercise, or metabolic demands. This condition is particularly prevalent in geriatric cardiology patients and can significantly impact functional capacity and quality of life. It may be related to age-related changes in the sinoatrial node, medications (particularly beta-blockers), or underlying cardiac pathology. Diagnosis typically involves exercise stress testing with evaluation of heart rate response relative to age-predicted maximums.
Usage
Usage note: Often hyphenated when used as a compound adjective.
In Context
- "The patient's exercise intolerance was attributed to chronotropic incompetence rather than structural heart disease." — Cardiology consultation report
- "Pacemaker therapy may be indicated for symptomatic chronotropic incompetence in elderly patients." — Treatment recommendation