Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to characterize the observable segment of the atrial repolarization (Ta wave) of the standard ECG during sinus rhythm in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients and controls.Methods Ta and P waves were measured from signal-averaged recordings of a standard 12-lead ECG in 40 patients, 20 with PAF, but in SR at the time of recording, and 20 healthy controls. Wave amplitudes and morphologies were measured.Results There were no significant differences in Ta amplitude between the PAF patients and controls. A subgroup analysis of patients on and off anti-arrhythmic drugs also showed no significant differences in Ta amplitudes. For both groups Ta wave had opposite polarity to the monophasic P wave. Biphasic P waves had Ta polarity opposite to the initial phase of the P wave. Ta wave amplitudes were largest in leads II (mean ± SD, –25 ± 16 μV), V2 (–22 ± 10 μV), V3 (–21 ± 10 μV) and V4 (–20 ± 8 μV). A significant correlation was found between Ta and P wave amplitudes, leads recording larger P waves also had larger Ta waves (PAF group: r = 0.15 (P = 0.02) PAF vs r = 0.33 (P = 0.002) HC).Conclusion No differences in the amplitude of the observable section of the atrial repolarization phase of the ECG could be observed between patients with PAF and controls. Ta wave correlates with the corresponding P wave in both amplitude and polarity.
Highlights
Atrial repolarization has received little attention to date and little has been published on the atrial repolarization phase on the electrocardiogram (ECG)
In the present study we extend this methodology to allow between absolute P wave amplitude and the absolute Ta wave amplitude for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and HC
In our study we focused on the amplitude and polarity of the Ta wave, observable in SR, and on its relationship to P wave morphology
Summary
Atrial repolarization has received little attention to date and little has been published on the atrial repolarization phase on the electrocardiogram (ECG). This is probably due to the fact that much of this phase of the ECG is obscured by the large ventricular activity. The only observable part of atrial repolarization is during the short PQ segment of the ECG. The atrial repolarization phase is known as the atrial T wave or Ta wave. Its amplitude is small and signal averaging is necessary to derive accurate measurements[1,2]. Given the importance of abnormal ventricular repolarization in the development of ventricular a rrhythmias, Address for correspondence: Daniele Giacopelli, MSc, Via Maffei 11, Albinea, 42020, Italy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
