Nonspecific T-wave changes. A follow-up study utilizing the "T-wave screen"

The clinical significance of alterations displayed on the electrocardiogram is not always clear. A previous study in 1963 revealed that various physiologic manipulations could be used to differentiate non-specific changes from pathologic T waves. A clinical follow-up of the 29 patients initially studied is presented. Repeat T-wave screens, obtained in 23 of the 29 patients after a mean period of eight years, were remarkably similar to the initial screens. Five patients were known to be alive and well. Two patients developed definite evidence for ischemic heart disease; one of these died of acute myocardial infarction. The T-wave screen still is a useful diagnostic procedure when considered along with age, clinical presentation, possible coronary risk factors, and lability in the investigation of alterations.