[Proceedings: Frequency and form of arrhythmia and changes in ECG in juvenile healthy volunteers. Studies with long-term electrocardiography].

In 35 healthy volunteers with a mean age of 24 years an ECG recording for detection of arrhythmias and ECG changes was made by means of a Holter Avionics tape recording system for an average of 7.5 h. Ventricular and supraventricular premature contractions (VPC'S, APCs) were recorded occasionally in 31% and with greater frequency in 6%. Multifocal VPCs and serial VPCs were found in one person (3%). ST-depressions of greater than or equal to 0.1 mV were seen in 9% and a wandering atrial pacemaker in a further 9%. An intermittent increase in P-wave amplitude (greater than or equal to 0.25 mV) was observed in 17%. A surprising finding was frequent (49%) recording of a sinus arrest of short duration, usually followed by an atrial escape rhythm. In view of the frequency of this phenomenon it must be accepted as a normal variant in young people.