ECG changes during lithium therapy. A prospective study.
The influence of long-term lithium treatment on the ECG was investigated in 53 consecutive patients. An ECG was recorded prior to and 4 and 12 months after institution of lithium therapy. The most frequently observed change during treatment was flattening or inversion of the T wave. Heart rate decreased and P-Q interval increased slightly during therapy. There was no change in the S-T segment or the Q-T interval corrected for heart rate. Our data indicate that well monitored lithium treatment of patients with serum lithium concentrations of about 0.6 mmol/l does not cause serious ECG abnormalities. In the absence of symptoms or signs of heart disease, routine monitoring of ECG is not necessary during lithium treatment.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D013997:Time Factors
D004573:Electrolytes; D008094:Lithium