Table 3 Characteristics of patients based on risk stratification [7, 9]

Low risk for exercise participation

• Absence of complex ventricular dysrhythmia during exercise testing and recovery

• Absence of angina or other significant symptoms

• Presence of normal hemodynamics during exercise testing and recovery

• Functional capacity ≥ 7 METs

Non-exercise testing findings

• Rest ejection fraction ≥ 50%

• Uncomplicated myocardial infarction or revascularization procedure

• Absence of CHF

• Absence of signs or symptoms of post-event or post-procedure ischemia

• Absence of clinical depression

Moderate risk for exercise participation

• Presence of complex ventricular arrhythmias during exercise testing or recovery

• Mild to moderate level of ischemia during exercise testing or recovery

• Functional capacity < 5 METs

Non-exercise testing findings

• Rest ejection fraction 40–49%

High risk for exercise participation

• Presence of complex ventricular arrhythmias during exercise testing or recovery

• Presence of angina or other significant symptoms

• High level of ischemia during exercise testing or recovery

• Presence of abnormal hemodynamics with exercise testing

Non-exercise testing findings

• Rest ejection fraction <40%

• History of cardiac arrest or sudden death

• Complex dysrhythmias at rest

• Complicated myocardial infarction or revascularization procedure

• Presence of CHF

• Presence of signs or symptoms of post-event or post-procedure ischemia

• Presence of clinical depression