chronotropic incompetence
Pronunciation: KRON-oh-trop-ik
Impaired ability of the heart rate to increase appropriately during physical or pharmacological stress.
Full Definition
Chronotropic incompetence is defined as the failure to achieve an adequate heart rate response during exercise or stress testing, typically defined as failure to reach 85% of age-predicted maximum heart rate in the absence of beta-blocker therapy. This condition reflects dysfunction of the sinoatrial node or autonomic nervous system and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Chronotropic incompetence may indicate underlying coronary artery disease, even in the presence of normal stress test results, and can affect exercise prescription and risk stratification in preventive cardiology.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from medication-induced heart rate blunting; specify if beta-blockers are present.
In Context
- "Chronotropic incompetence was noted despite achieving target exercise duration." — exercise stress test report
- "The patient's chronotropic incompetence may warrant further evaluation for coronary disease." — cardiology assessment