ECG Abnormalities in Patients with Epilepsy

Some investigators believe that patients with epilepsy are at increased risk of sudden death, perhaps because of cardiac arrhythmias. We studied 338 patients with epilepsy referred for simultaneous ambulatory EEG/ECG monitoring. High-risk cardiac arrhythmias were detected in 18 (5.3%) patients while low-risk arrhythmias or negative studies were found in the others. Fifty-six electrographic seizures were seen in 17 patients, but no associated ventricular arrhythmias or conduction defects were identified. We conclude that the incidence of serious cardiac arrhythmias predisposing to sudden death is not increased in patients with epilepsy.