ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN OLD AGE

Abstract

A group of 300 ambulatory patients was studied to determine the incidence of Ecgs. in old age. 44 of this group belonged to the 7th decade, 167 to the 8th, 83 to the 9th and 6 to the 10th decade. Enlargement of the heart was noted in 62% of the cases; 23% had normal blood pressure readings, 32% showed an elevation of systolic tension only and 45% both systolic and diastolic elevation. There were 100 normal tracings and 200 abnormal ones. The incidence of abnormal Ecgs. is seen to increase with age as does the occurrence of heart enlargement. Hypertension does not follow the same line. The incidence of delayed conduction and T-wave changes shows a definite rise with age. The coexistence of an abnormal Ecg. with an apparently normal clinical behavior in the old is attributed to the lessened physical load in that age group. The abnormal Ecg., nevertheless, is an indication of disease and is of prognostic significance.