Classics in ECT: EKG Before and After ECT, From The American Heart Journal, 1950

 "Classics in ECT" brings you this study from the American Heart Journal, from 1950:

An electro cardiographic study of psychiatry patients before and after electroshock therapy.

PLICE SG, PFISTER CW.Am Heart J. 1950 Aug;40(2):252-9. doi: 10.1016/0002-8703(50)90169-4.PMID: 15432286

The pdf is here.

And from the text:






Here's a classic paper looking at EKG changes before and after ECT, from 1950, when presumably, the ECT was unmodified. It is of note mainly as an indicator of research interest in establishing the cardiac risk/benefit profile of ECT.  The non-alarmist attitude of the cardiologist consultant authors is clear. The hand-written case notes and crude EKG recordings are classic.
A full read, ~ 10 minutes, is recommended for all history of ECT buffs. 

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