The resting surface electrocardiogram as a predictor of future hypertension.
Resting supine and post-provocation (dynamic exercise, isometric exercise and cold pressor) levels of blood pressure were measured in 80 normotensive offspring of normotensive parents (control) and 55 normotensive offspring of parents with essential hypertension. The surface electrocardiogram (including conventional twelve leads, posterior chest leads, right-sided chest leads and bipolar precordial leads) was also recorded in all subjects. Twenty-eight offspring of parents with essential hypertension had their resting and/or post-provocation blood pressure above the upper limit of standard deviation in age- and sex-matched control group. Flat or upright T waves, with either S waves less than 0.2 mV, or S/R ratio less than 2, or T waves equal to or higher than the accompanying R waves in lead V4R, could identify these potential hypertensives with nearly 90% specificity and nearly 75% sensitivity. The criterion had been derived, however, by analysis of the data achieved retrospectively. Therefore, the exact discriminating value of this criterion can be assessed only by a long-term prospective study.
Mittal
S R
SR
J.L.N. Medical College and Hospital, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
Sethi
J P
JP
Sethi
A K
AK
Bharadwaj
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003080:Cold Temperature; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000235:genetics*; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors