[Situation in Italy regarding institutions for cardiovascular function testing].

Abstract

In order to evaluate the number and the capacity of the exercise testing laboratories, a questionnaire has been sent to 294 institutions throughout Italy. Responses available for analysis were returned from 148 Centres. The number of laboratories performing exercise testing (2,6 every 1.000.000 inhabitants) is not sufficient; regional volume and capacity of testing is much higher in the north of Italy than in the south. The number of exercise stress tests performed is very low and facilities of some laboratories insufficient for population requirements. Laboratory equipment is good. The protocols used during the test and the criteria for the evaluation of results are different within the country. It is only by potentiating the capacity and the quality of the exercise testing laboratories that it will be possible to increase the small number of centres doing cardiac rehabilitation in Italy.