ECG Changes during Lithium Therapy

Abstract
The influence of long-term Li treatment on the ECG was investigated in 53 consecutive patients. An ECG was recorded prior to and 4 and 12 mo. after institution of Li therapy. The most frequently observed change during treatment was flattening or inversion of the T wave. Heart rate decreased and P-Q interval increased slightly during therapy. There was no change in the S-T segment or the Q-T interval corrected for heart rate. Well monitored Li treatment of patients with serum Li concentrations of .apprx. 0.6 mmol/l apparently does not cause serious ECG abnormalities. In the absence of symptoms or signs of heart disease, routine monitoring of ECG is not necessary during Li treatment.

This publication has 17 references indexed in Scilit: