[Late potentials in high resolution ECG in thyroid gland dysfunction]

In this study we examined 278 patients as to the effect of thyroidal dysfunctions upon late-potential parameters in high-resolution ECG (HR-ECG). It could be demonstrated that both hyper- and hypothyroidism tend to produce late potentials. It is remarkable that even "subclinical" dysfunctions reveal significant alterations in HR-ECG. As late potentials represent a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias these results are an additional indication that already "subclinical" dysfunctions of thyroid gland call for an appropriate therapy. In hyperthyroidism late potentials may be eliminated rapidly by propranolol even in low dosages.