Ventricular ectopy in totally symptom-free subjects with defined coronary artery anatomy.
Ambulatory ECG recordings were obtained from 313 consecutive, totally symptom-free male subjects on whom cardiac catheterization was subsequently performed for occupational reasons. These recordings were examined for ventricular ectopy and the results were studied in relation to the findings on selective coronary angiography. Ventricular ectopy was a common finding, with 58% of those subjects with normal coronary artery anatomy having at least one ventricular premature beat during the period of monitoring (mean 16 1/2 hours), 22% having greater than one such complex per hour, and 10% having greater than 10 per hour. Complex ventricular ectopy was present in 21% of the normal subjects. No association between the extent or complexity of ventricular ectopy and the presence or grade of anatomic coronary artery disease was demonstrated, nor was ventricular ectopy overrepresented in those with both significant coronary artery disease on angiography and evidence of ischemia on provocative testing.
Batchelor
A J
AJ
Clinical Sciences Division, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base.
Kruyer
W B
WB
Hickman
J R
JR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D005117:Cardiac Complexes, Premature / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D012307:Risk Factors