[Vectorcardiographic study in elderly subjects with a normal ECG (author's transl)].

In order to estimate if the elderly subjects with a normal ECG present vectorcardiographic (VCG) changes, were analyzed the VCG of 35 patients of age between 65 and 84 years with a normal ECG, negative anamnesis, objective cardiovascular examination and no radiological alteration of the cardiac image. These patients were divided in two groups according to the age: the first included 20 patients of age between 65 and 74 years, the second 15 patients between 75 and 84 years. A group of control with an average variable between 40 and 59 years, was also examined. The P, QRS and T loops were examined. The P loop, with a lessened magnitude (mV), particularly in second group, was directed inferiorly and anteriorly as regards controls, with initial, middle and/or terminal slurrings. On the QRS loop, in second group, were found the following changes: the Initial Vectors are directed inferiorly and anteriorly, the Maximum Spatial Vector more superiorly and anteriorly and Terminal Vectors more superiorly and posteriorly therefore the loop appeared frequently distorted on the frontal plane. The loop, with a lessened magnitude, particularly in second group, more frequently counter-clockwise inscripted on the frontal plane. Time of occurrence of Maximum QRS Vector (msec) was found more precocious. The T loop, with a lessened magnitude, particularly in second group, resulted slightly deviated inferiorly and anteriorly. The observed changes appeared modest and of a kind more quantitative, that is expressed by changes in the magnitude and relation between different vectorial groups, than qualitative, that is in relation to changes in the orientation and succession of such vectors. These changes, more frequent in the second group patients, don't give generally problems of differential diagnosis with the myocardial infarcts, hypertrophies or conduction disturbances. They are likely in relation to histological and/or metabolic changes in the myocardium common tipic of old age and in a lesser degree to anatomic and haemodynamic changes in the senile heart.