Abnormalities on baseline ECG predict outcome in asymptomatic persons

Among 4797 men and 4320 women, age 25 to 74 years, who were initially free of angina, 8.4% of men and 10.6% of women had ischemic ECG changes, including abnormal Q waves, varying degrees of ST-depression or T-wave inversion, and left bundle branch block. The presence of ischemic ECG changes, particularly ST-depression and T-wave inversion, was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in both men and women (multivariately adjusted odds ratio 2.45 and 2.16, respectively).