Anikin VV. Klin Med (Mosk) 1991 Feb;69(2):44-6. To specify cardiovascular function in alcoholics (74 males capable for work by their age) of stage II, they under went M-mode ECG at the height of the rhythm induced by transesophageal pacing. One third of the examinees demonstrated worsening of the left ventricular contractility evident from reduced ejection fraction (by 17.1%) and shorter anteroposterior size of the left ventricle (diminution by 18.1%). Paradoxical movement of the interventricular septum in the systole emerged in one fifth of the patients at the height of the stimulation. It is believed important to identify a group of patients with initially abnormal intracardiac hemodynamics (13.6%). They suffered further deterioration of myocardial contractility. The study of ECG findings at the height of atrial stimulation detects latent alcoholic myocardiodystrophy.