Abstract
Summary
The immediate alterations in the eletrocardiogram caused by assuming the erect posture and those appearing during standing, were studied in 80 patients.
The genesis of the changes which appear immediately on standing and disappear immediately when the supine posture is resumed is separated from those which are seen during prolonged standing. The latter is ascribed to changes in the tonus of the autonomic nervous system which may act on the heart muscle directly or via the coronary arteries.
A-V rhythm may appear on standing due to the change of the tonus of the autonomic nerves.
Administration of ergotamine preparations does not always prevent the appearance of immediate changes in the electrocardiogram on change of posture.
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