Electrocardiographic Evaluation of Cardiovascular Status

Shu Fen Wung, Teri Kozik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is indispensable for the diagnosis and management of patients with a wide variety of cardiac and noncardiac diseases. The purpose of this paper is focused on recent research that used ECG, specifically the long-QT interval and microvolt T wave alternans, for the evaluation of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Although remaining to be validated, QT prolongation along with other emerging electrocardiographic indices such as T wave morphology, T peak-to-T end time, or beat-to-beat QT variability may be sensitive indicators of malignant polymorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmia, torsade de pointes. Microvolt T wave alternans may provide important information in identifying a low-risk group with left ventricular dysfunction who is unlikely to benefit from unnecessary prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy. These ECG markers have the potential to aid in the safe administration of individualized medications, avoidance of sudden cardiac death, and provision of a noninvasive strategy to identify patients who are most and least likely to benefit from expensive prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)169-174
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Nursing
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008

Keywords

  • Arrhythmia
  • Long QT
  • T wave alternans
  • Torsade de pointes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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