[Detection of atrial and ventricular ectopic activity in a health population]

Using a system which makes it possible to monitor continually in the course of 24 hours the electrocardiogram, the authors examined 50 medical students aged 18-24 years. In all subjects a sinus rhythm was recorded, frequently combined with sinus, respiratory arrhythmia. The mean heart rate during the investigation period varied between 61-69 strokes per minute. A maximum heart rate between 117 and 200 strokes per minute was always conditioned by physical exertion. Isolated supraventricular extrasystoles were recorded in 34% of the examined subjects and were more frequent in women than in men. Isolated ventricular extrasystoles were recorded in 32% of the examined subjects and were more frequent in men than in women. Conduction time on the electrocardiogram at rest and during long-term monitoring were normal in all the examined subjects.