Effects of atomic bomb radiation on the cardiovascular system

ECG findings were evaluated by Minnesota code and compared in survivors directly exposed to atomic bomb within 1.9 km and those exposed to it 3.0 km or farther from the explosion by matching the age. The incidence of any of the parameters (such as I-1, I-2, IV-1, IV-2 and IV-3), which suggest coronary arteriosclerosis, and V-1, V-2 and V-3 was significantly higher in male survivors within 1.9 km than in those 3 km or farther from the explosion, although no significant difference was observed in female survivors. Examinations, according to the classification proposed by pooling project research group, also revealed a significantly higher incidence of abnormal Q-wave and extremely abnormal ECG findings in male survivors within 1.9 km (13.3%) than in those 3.0 km or farther from the explosion (9.4%)-(P<0.02). However, this was not significant in female survivors. These results suggested the promotion of aging in male survivors exposed to atomic bomb within 1.9 km. (Namekawa, K.)