Value of ST-segment depression during paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

We evaluated 39 patients >45 years old with paroxysmal supraventricular tac hycardia (SVT), 21 of whom had ST-segment depression during SVT. Treadmill exercise testing, including thallium stress scintigraphy, was performed in all patients and coronary angiography in 21 patients with ST-segment depres sion. Based on the presence of abnormal findings on exercise electrocardiog ram and/or thallium in 7 of 21 patients (33%) with ST-segment depression, w ith additional corroboration by angiographic data, we conclude that myocard ial ischemia and coronary artery disease is one, but not the only, mechanis m involved in the genesis of ST-segment depression during paroxysmal SVT.