[Correlation of signal-averaged electrocardiograms with the threatening ventricular arrhythmia during recovery period of experimental acute myocardial infarction].

Body surface signal-averaged ECGs were recorded in 24 dogs during recovery period of AMI. The correlation of VLP with ventricular arrhythmias induced by programmed electrical stimulation was studied. VLPs were positive in 12 dogs between 7 and 14 days after AMI. VLPs were all positive in 6 dogs with induced VT(100%). In 15 dogs with induced VF, however, VLPs were positive in only 5 (33.3%). The difference between two groups was significant (P = 0.01). Propafenone 2 mg/kg was injected intravenously in 21 dogs. Among the VF group no VF was induced after administration of the drug. In VT group propafenone increased the cycle length of VTs although it could not prevent the induction of the arrhythmias. The drug had no significant influence on VLPs, but it might provide some antifibrillation effect. There was no proarrhythmic effect observed when propafenone was used in this study.