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The potential of the method of 35 ECG leads' automatic mapping in the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy was assessed for the first time. A number of mapping indices closely correlating with the myocardial mass and the thickness of the left ventricular wall were found while studying 35 ECG leads' maps followed by computer processing, in 28 hypertensive patients and 6 normal subjects the hypertrophy degree of the left ventricle being determined by echocardiography and X-rays. The index of the total maximum of the R-waves among 7 vertical columns (7.3 +/- 2.0 cm) proved to be simultaneously highly specific (88.9%), sensitive (84%) and accurate (85.3%) to diagnose even a moderate degree of left ventricular hypertrophy (with the left ventricular mass of 150-200 g as evaluated by echocardiography).