Sex Differences in the Electrocardiogram

Abstract

In 424 men and 142 women, clinically "healthy," ages 40 through 59 years, significant sex differences in electrocardiographic characteristics were found. The differences were minor in the limb-lead amplitudes (P, Q, R, S, T), but QRS and P-R duration was significantly shorter in women. Precordiallead amplitudes (R, S, T) were significantly smaller in women. Present normal standards derived from groups of men are not valid for women.