SERIAL ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS: THEIR RELIABILITY AND PROGNOSTIC VALIDITY OVER A 24-YEAR PERIOD,
Abstract
The reliability and prognostic validity of serial electrocardiograms were determined in a group of young men who were followed from 24 to 49 years of age. Electrocardiographic durations, amplitudes, and vectoral orientations at each of the four evaluations were similar to values from cross-sectional surveys of men at the same ages. The pattern of QRS deflections did not change although there were changes in the amplitude of these deflections. A significant decrease in QRS and T amplitude (Sigma QRS and Sigma T) was found with increasing aging and did not correlate significantly with weight and blood pressure. The QRS axis moved leftward as the group became older and the change in QRS axis was related to interval weight changes and to blood pressure. The T axis and the QRS-T angle did not change during the 24 years of study. The group in whom coronary heart disease subsequently developed had a greater decrease in QRS amplitude and tended to have a greater leftward movement of the QRS vector. The resting electrocardiogram is a reliable measurement despite minor serial changes in amplitude and vectoral orientation, but has limited predictive value in men below the age of 50 years. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 02, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0654169
Entities
People
- Albert Oberman
- Ashton Graybiel
- Robert E. Mitchell
- Robert K. Osborne
- William R. Harlan Jr.
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Institute