Significance of Primary T Wave Aberrations in the Electrocardiogram of Asymptomatic Young Men

Abstract

Fifty-one healthy men, 18–19 years of age, with “organic” T wave aberrations (group T) were compared to 112 controls of the same age with normal electrocardiograms (Group A + B). Group T had increased heart rate and higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Their lower physical work capacity could be “explained” in multivariate analysis by their shorter height, smaller heart volumes and lower total hemoglobin (the latter not constituting a significant difference between the groups). Multiple regression analysis indicated that differences in heart rate, systolic blood pressure and blood volumes explained differences between subjects with and without primary T wave aberrations. These variables are all influenced by changes in sympathetic discharge, whereas no variable representing performance or body dimensions contributed to the explanation.