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ECG T wave

ECG deflection resulting from repolarization of the ventricles. Special laboratory: Electrocardiogram T wave polarity 1) upright: I, II, V3-V6 2) inverted: aVR 3) variable: II, aVL, aVF, V1-V2 Clinical significance: T wave notching 1) children 2) pericarditis Flat T wave: obesity Peaked (tall) T waves (> 10 mm) 1) hyperkalemia 2) CVA 3) myocardial ischemia T wave inversions (may be giant inverted T waves) 1) myocardial infarction - generally not diffuse 2) CNS processes a) increased intracranial pressure b) stroke c) meningitis d) subarachnoid hemorrhage f) Stokes-Adams attacks g) often deep, diffuse h) may also see ST segment elevation 3) pulmonary embolism (right precordial leads) 4) pericarditis a) T-wave inversion when ST segment returns to baseline b) normalization of ST, PR & T wave changes occur late Abnormal T-wave axis: 1) may be risk factor for acute MI 2) risk of MI may be as great as: a) history of angina b) history of MI c) diabetes d) hypertension

Related

electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)

Specific

biphasic T-wave inverted T-wave

General

electrocardiogram feature

Figures/Diagrams

Figures/diagrams/slides/tables related to T wave

References

  1. Current Pocket Reference 1992 Pharmacopoeia & Medical Notes, Shepherd/Whalen, Specialty Cards, Norman OK 1997
  2. Internal Medicine Alert 20(21):175 1998
  3. Practical ECG Interpretation, T Evans, Ring Mountain Press, 1998
  4. Life in the Fast Lane. ECG Library T wave http://lifeinthefastlane.com/ecg-library/basics/t-wave/