Routine chest roentgenograms and electrocardiograms. Usefulness in the hypertensive workup.

We reviewed the records of all patients entering the hypertension Clinic in 1974. One hundred sixteen met the criteria for hypertension and had a routine chest roentgenogram and/or ECG obtained for the evaluation of hypertension, Routine chest films and ECGs led to therapeutic or diagnostic interventions in only two instances, were not useful as baseline examinations, were never used for prognostic purposes, and not once influenced hypertensive management. We conclude that the value of routine chest roentgenograms and ECGs cannot be defended on the basis of their contribution to the workup of hypertension.