Abstract

BACKGROUND
Recent studies have suggested that early repolarization (ER) is associated with increased risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Early repolarization in these studies, however, was defined as J-wave (terminal QRS slurring or notching) or J-point elevation rather than typical ST-segment elevation (STE). Prevalence and characteristics of these different findings in the general population are poorly known. In this study, we assessed prevalence and correlates of STE typical of ER and of J wave in a large population of noncardiac subjects.
METHODS
We prospectively collected electrocardiograms of 4176 consecutive subjects without heart disease at our hospital.
RESULTS
Early repolarization was found in 84 subjects (2.0%) and J wave in 663 (15.9%). Among ER subjects, a J wave was present in 60 (71.4%). Variables independently associated with both ER and J wave included young age, male sex, and lower heart rate. There was no increased history of symptoms (palpitations and syncope) possibly related to arrhythmias in STE or J-wave subjects.
CONCLUSIONS
Typical ER pattern and J wave are common in noncardiac subjects, particularly in young people, and are not associated with symptoms potentially related to arrhythmias.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Lanza GA, Mollo R, Cosenza A, Pinnacchio G, Careri G, Laurito M, Crea F

Institution

Dipartimento di Medicina Cardiovascolare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. g.a.lanza@rm.unicatt.it

Source

Journal of electrocardiology 45:4 pg 404-10

MeSH

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Electrocardiography
Female
Heart Conduction System
Heart Rate
Humans
Male
Middle Aged

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22575808