Observations on the T wave and S-T segment changes in the precordial electrocardiogram of 320 young Negro adults ∗

Abstract

1. 1. The electrocardiograms of 320 healthy young adult Negroes (277 men and 43 women) have been examined for S-T segment and T wave changes over the precordium. 2. 2. Of the 320 subjects studied only three, or 0.9 per cent, had inverted T waves over the precordium as far to the left as lead V 3. Two of these three subjects were women. 3. 3. Of greatest interest is an observed high incidence of elevation of the S-T segments and tall peaked T waves occurring only among the men. Such apparently normal variations may mimic serious heart disease. 4. 4. The similarity of these changes to early changes seen in patients with heart disease necessitates a long term follow up of these subjects to be sure that the pattern is not a fore-runner of heart disease.