[Comparison of the values of automatic ECG analysis according to the Smith and the Pipberger diagnostic programs by means of a serial study in a large industry].

It could be shown that an ECG-screening could be integrated into the routine work of a factory outpatient department. As a result of the automatical analysis of the ECG we got an exact knowledge of the efficiency of Smith's and Pipberger's diagnostic programmes. The suitability of the two programmes for screening examinations resulted from the 91% and 97% certain separation of normal and pathological findings and the small proportion of falsely negative results (Smith, Pipberger). Concerning the exact differentiation of pathological ECG the frequency of recognition of Pipberger's programme still surpassed that one of Smith's programme. However, the two programmes show a diagnostic security which lies above the visual diagnosing. The establishment of findings performed off line per week ascertained a rapid disposal of results. In comparison to former examinations newly detected cases could be established only in a small percentage. The importance for health polities of such examinations results from the necessity of the prophylaxis of cardio-vascular diseases, the numbers of morbidity and mortality of which are permanently increasing.