THYROIDAL DYSFUNCTIONS CAUSING LATE POTEN TIALS IN HIGH-RESOLUTION ECG

In this study we examined 278 patients as to the effect of thyroidal d ysfunctions upon late-potential parameters in high-resolution ECG (HR- ECG). It could be demonstrated that both hyper- and hypothyroidism ten d to produce late potentials. It is remarkable that even ''subclinical '' dysfunctions reveal significant alterations in HR-ECG. As late pote ntials represent a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias these resul ts are an additional indication that already ''subclinical'' dysfuncti ons of thyroid gland call for an appropriate therapy. In hyperthyroidi sm late potentials may be eliminated rapidly by propranolol even in lo w dosages.