A randomized trial of copper therapy in rats with electrocardiographic abnormalities due to copper deficiency.

Abnormalities of the ECG were induced in rats by a diet deficient in copper. Abnormalities of the ST segment, bundle branch block, supraventricular beats, ventricular beats, and wandering pacemaker were found. Ventricular aneurysm, hemothorax, pleural effusion, cardiac rupture, and hemopericardium also occurred. Gross pathology and abnormal electrophysiology were not closely associated. Electrocardiograms of 12 rats were found to have abnormal ST segments. Rats with similar electrocardiographic abnormalities were assigned to pairs, one member of each pair was selected for treatment with copper by coin toss. Gross pathological findings of treated and untreated rats were similar. Treatment improved the survival of the group and the ECGs of four of the six. These findings were related to certain aspects of ischemic heart disease and to dietary copper in the industrialized part of the world.