Prevalence of ECG findings in 18-19 year old Swedish men

2268 consecutive men, 18-19 years of age, were examined at an enlistment centre regarding their health, some anthropometric variables and electrocardiogram. ECG items according to the modified Minnesota code [1] were found in 230 subjects (10%). Most common ECG findings were T wave abnormalities (2.2%). Heart rate was higher in the groups with QRS axis deviation, T wave items, sinus tachycardia and supraventricular ectopic beats. Systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure was increased in the groups with T wave items, sinus tachycardia and ventricular ectopic beats. A dysfunction of the autonomic tone can often be suspected as a cause of the abnormality, especially in the groups with tachycardia, T wave changes, AV block grade I and AV junctional rhythm. An ECG recording during orthostasis was considered to be of value to clarify the nature of the ECG abnormality.