The orthogonal Frank electrocardiogram in 257 nurse students

Abstract

It has clinically well been recognized that the vectorcardiogram in younger patients often shows characteristics that are largely different from the figures obtained in general adult populations. Well documented information on VCG parameters in younger subjects is scarce; the present paper deals with a report on 194 white females and 63 white males, aged 18-25 years. Data were analyzed using the Pipberger program 3.6, and also statistically compared to the classical Pipberger standards. Some parameters (e.g. QRS duration) show different values typically in females, as well in our group of young females as in the reference Pipberger group; other measurements (e.g. Q/Rz amplitude ratio) are specifically deviated in the young population and a pronounced anterior displacement of QRS is regularly observed here. It appears remarkable that QRS amplitude in the young age groups is significantly higher than in the general Pipberger groups only when examined in the inferior direction. The 96% range limits found in this study resp. in young males, and in young females, for the QRS spatial maximal vector (3.08 resp. 2.61 mV) and for RX + RZ (3.22 resp. 2.45 mV) can be taken into account for considering LVH in youngsters.