[Electrocardiographic changes in rheumatoid arthritis]

The clinical course of 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis has been reviewed with special emphasis on the electrocardiographic changes. Thirty two of 50 of these patients presented electrocardiographic abnormalities and two cases had myocardial infarction. Electrocardiographic changes were associated with activity of the sickness. It is possible that the electrocardiovasculars manifestations represent the first manifestation of the rheumatoid arthritis therefore it is convenient to check them the whole time, even in case the patient does not present clinical abnormalities.