Electrocardiographic findings associated with very low calorie dieting.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the safety of very low calorie diets (VLCD) in regard to their effects on cardiac function.


METHODS
EKG changes were analyzed for 126 women on a VLCD of 3349 kJ/d (800 kcal/d). EKGs were done when the diet was begun, after 3 months of dieting, and at a 6 month follow up after being off the diet for 3 months.


METHODS
Subjects were solicited through advertisements and charged $1,000 for participating after being screened for age, weight, and health status.


METHODS
EKG QTc intervals, PR interval, QRS interval, ST-T wave changes, and heart rate.


RESULTS
Over one-fourth (27.0%) of subjects had normal EKGs at all three time points studied. Sinus bradycardia was the most common abnormality, observed in 60 subjects (47.6%) on at least one of the three EKGs. Fifty-eight (46%) patients had EKGs with ST-T wave abnormalities observed on at least one of the EKGs. Eight subjects (6.4%) had prolonged QTc (more than one standard deviation beyond the average for women) intervals on at least one EKG. None of these eight persons had significant untoward medical consequences.


CONCLUSIONS
A VLCD diet of 3349 kJ/d (800 kcal/d) for up to 3 months is not associated with significant electrocardiographic abnormalities or clinical cardiac complications, provided the patients have low cardiovascular risk at baseline.
Seim
H C
HC
Department of Family Practice and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55414, USA.
Mitchell
J E
JE
Pomeroy
C
C
de Zwaan
M
M
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology