In order to verify the usefulness of a system designed to provide participants of sport competitions with a cardiological emergency service, the authors utilized a cardiotelephone apparatus during a "24-hour Marathon race" in which 1008 subjects took part. In 18 cases, an ECG was transmitted owing to various symptoms after exertion. One case of pseudoischaemia and one of complete A-V block were registered. The authors emphasize the importance of a telephone ECG transmission system as a special aid able to cut down the intervention time without moving the patients.

Department of Cardiology University La Sapienza Rome Italy