[Diagnostic value of late ventricular potentials in patients with painless myocardial ischemia].

The study of peculiarities of late ventricular potentials (LVPs) registration in patients with painless myocardial ischemia (PIMI) and painful myocardial ischemia (PMI) in unstable or stable running of ischemic heart disease (IHD) enrolled 113 patients (88 males and 25 females, mean age 52.3 +/- 6.8 years). Follow-up covered 20 +/- 3.2 months. Higher risk was associated with abnormal ECG readings, PlMI, duration of ischemic periods > 70 min for 24 hours, ST depression > 3 mm in heart rate < 100 b/m at the start of the ischemic episodes. Patients with LVPs had PlMI episodes significantly more often. 24-h duration of ischemic episodes and maximal ST depression occurred more frequently in patients with slow fragmental activity. Assessment of Holter ECG monitoring and LVPs allows to ascertain functional status of IHD patients, promotes identification of prognostically unfavourable group of patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.