Effects of atropine on the electrocardiogram in different age groups

Abstract

In 79 patients who had no cardiovascular disease and were scheduled for elective operations, 1 mg. of atropine sulfate per 70 Kg. was given in divided doses and electrocardiogram tracings were recorded. The patients' ages ranged from 6 weeks to 79 years. In the young, relatively more atropine was required to accelerate heart rate than was required in adults. In the oldest age group, the tachycardic response to atropine was decreased. Arrhythmias occurred in over 20 per cent of the population but particularly frequently in the young. In adults atrioventricular (A‐V) dissociation was common, and in children atrial rhythm disturbances were common. Arrhythmias were associated with small rather than large doses of atropine.