Human heart has its own electrical impulses due to which it can work relentlessly without any break. This electrical activity is recorded graphically on a device called electrocardiogram (ECG). Abnormality in electrocardiogram provides diagnosis of many heart disorders such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), electrolyte disturbance in body, arrhythmia, etc. Learning the interpretation of ECG is extremely important for medical practitioners, as it helps in prompt diagnosis of different heart ailments.
The up and down lines that you see on an electrocardiogram defines different types of waves, segments and intervals. There are different types of waves observed on ECG which denote depolarization and re-polarization of muscles of ventricle and atrium.
In most leads of ECG, T wave normally is upright. During the ventricular re-polarization T wave shows normal upright. On ECG, T wave is seen as a small wave after QRS complex. An abnormal T wave is inverted in many sections of ECG. However, only T wave abnormality should not be interpreted alone for specific diagnosis of a condition. This is because there is no one reason, but many reasons that can cause abnormal T wave.
For example inverted T wave seen in V1 and V2 section also occur in normal individual. There are several causes which may cause abnormal inversion of T wave. Here are some of the most common reasons for inverted T waves.
Causes Of T Wave Abnormality On ECG
Pathological causes include:
- Ventricular hypertrophy. Strain on ventricles can cause T wave inversion.
- Pre-excitation syndrome is a condition in which the ventricles partially contract prematurely. T wave inversion is often present in this condition.
- T wave abnormality is also observed in digitalis effect. This condition is characterized by abnormal contraction of heart rate.
- Myocardial ischemia can also produce T wave inversion.
- T wave abnormality is also seen in mitral valve disease.
- Hyperkalemia is condition in which excessive potassium is present in blood. It can lead to death in some cases. It can stop the electrical impulses of the heart leading to its stoppage.
Other causes of T wave abnormality are: Smoking, anxiety, rapid heart rate, bundle branch block etc.
T wave abnormality can also occur without any serious cause. These changes in T wave are physiological. For example inverted T wave is common in young children and females. ECG taken at the time of change of posture and deep breathing can show T wave inversion. In some people T wave inversion is common after they eat a heavy meal.
Treatment For T Wave Abnormality
Abnormal T wave can be an indication of some pathological conditions mainly related to heart. Upon finding changes in the T wave, the main aim is to treat the underlying condition. Once the condition is treated T wave abnormality will disappear.
For example abnormal T wave changes seen on ECG caused by myocardial ischemia can be resolved by taking blood thinning medicines, anti hypertensive drugs, and anti cholesterol medications. In majority of cases myocardial ischemia is caused due to deposition of fats and formation of plaque in the coronary arteries. With the help of medicines mentioned before, this condition can be corrected to an extent.
If your ECG shows T wave inversion or abnormality and if you are a smoker, the first thing that you should do is to stop smoking.