ECG T wave

Introduction

ECG deflection resulting from repolarization of the ventricles.

Diagnostic procedures

Electrocardiogram T wave polarity

• upright: I, II, V3-V6
• inverted: aVR
• variable: II, aVL, aVF, V1-V2

Clinical significance

T wave notching

• children
• pericarditis

Flat T wave: obesity

Peaked (tall) T waves (> 10 mm)

• hyperkalemia
• CVA
• myocardial ischemia

T wave inversions (may be giant inverted T waves)

• myocardial infarction - generally not diffuse
• CNS processes
  • increased intracranial pressure
  • stroke
  • meningitis
  • subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • Stokes-Adams attacks
  • often deep, diffuse
  • may also see ST segment elevation
• pulmonary embolism (right precordial leads)
• pericarditis
  • T-wave inversion when ST segment returns to baseline
  • normalization of ST, PR & T wave changes occur late

Abnormal T-wave axis:

• may be risk factor for acute MI
• risk of MI may be as great as:
  • history of angina
  • history of MI
  • diabetes
  • hypertension

More general terms

• electrocardiogram feature

More specific terms

• biphasic T-wave
• inverted T-wave

Additional terms

• electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)