[Contribution to the effect of tri and tetracyclic antidepressive agents on the heart and blood circulation].

In 47 patients ECG tracings were recorded and cardiovascular values determined before therapy, during treatment with antidepressive agents after it had been in progress for at least 3 weeks, and 4 weeks after withdrawal of therapy. In a further 19 patients in whom antidepressive therapy could not be withdrawn, the same test battery was repeated after an average period of 13 months. No serious disturbances of cardiac rhythm were detected and certain changes in ECG criteria (prolongation of PR interval, widening of QRS complex, prolongation of QTc time and T-wave flattening) proved to be reversible. There was no difference between tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressive agents. We are nevertheless of the opinion that ECG and cardiac function should be carefully monitored in elderly patients and in those on prolonged therapy with high doses of antidepressives. The results of this study are discussed and compared with previously published findings.