The electrocardiogram in the hyperventilation syndrome

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1943

Publication Title

American Heart Journal

ISSN

00028703

E-ISSN

10976744

Abstract

1. 1. Patients with anxiety neuroses and the hyperventilation syndrome frequently exhibit marked electrocardiographic abnormalities, consisting either of late inversion of T, or of S-T depression with marked lowering of T. Any or all leads may be involved. QRS changes have been observed in but a single case and were limited to Lead 4F. 2. 2. The abnormalities disappear when recovery from the syndrome takes place, but may be reproduced by voluntary hyperventilation if recovery has not become too firmly established. 3. 3. Evidence is presented to suggest that the abnormalities are the result of alkalosis, but certain discrepancies raise some question whether this is the sole factor. 4. 4. Since severe precordial pain may be included in the syndrome, recognition of these marked electrocardiographic abnormalities assumes importance, lest they be attributed to infarction of the heart, with the result that the anxiety neurosis becomes worse. © 1943.

Volume

25

Issue

3

First Page

372

Last Page

390

DOI

10.1016/S0002-8703(43)90831-2

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