The clinical significance of T-wave alterations displayed on the electrocardiogram is not always clear. A previous study in 1963 revealed that various physiologic manipulations could be used to differentiate non-specific T-wave changes from pathologic T waves. A clinical follow-up of the 29 patients initially studied is presented. Repeat "T-wave screens," obtained in 23 of the 29 patients after a mean period of eight years, were remarkably similar to the initial screens. Five patients were known to be alive and well. Two patients developed definite evidence for ischemic heart disease; one of these died of acute myocardial infarction.
The "T-wave screen" still is a useful diagnostic procedure when considered along with age, clinical presentation, possible coronary risk factors, and T-wave lability in the investigation of T-wave alterations.