Abstract 15858: Increased T Wave Amplitude in Lead Avr is a Strong Predictor of Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Non-invasive screening tools of cardiac function can play a significant role in the initial triage of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Numerous ECG features have been previously linked with cardiac contractility in the general population. We sought to examine the prognostic value of positive T wave in lead aVR as a simple marker for real-time screening of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in suspected acute coronary syndrome. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of a prospective, observational cohort study of patients evaluated for suspected acute coronary syndrome. The parent study recruited consecutive patients evaluated at the emergency department of three UPMC-affiliated tertiary care hospitals. We included consecutive patients in whom an echocardiogram was performed during indexed encounter. LVEF were retrieved from the cardiologist-signed report. Baseline 12-lead ECGs were preprocessed using manufacturer specific algorithms. Amplitude of T wave in lead aVR were automatically measured at T peak in millivolts. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and alpha was set at 0.05 for two-sided hypothesis testing. Results: Our sample included 313 patients (aged 63 ± 15, 45% females, 35% Black). The mean LVEF was 57±13%. Most patients were in normal sinus rhythm (87%) or atrial fibrillation (13%). In Bivariate analysis, there was a significant and negative correlation between T wave amplitude in lead aVR and LVEF (Pearson r = -0.173, p = 0.002). T wave amplitude in lead aVR was significantly larger in patients with LVEF < 35% compared to their counterparts (-65±185 vs. -165±180, t(311) = -3.18, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Increasing T wave amplitude in lead aVR indicates lower LVEF in suspected acute coronary syndrome. This feature constitutes a simple visual marker to aid clinicians in identifying those with impaired cardiac function during emergency care.