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Electrocardiogram of posterior wall infarction
Cor Et Vasa
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Posterior wall myocardial infarction, indicated by high R waves in ECG leads V1-2, occurs in 7.3% of heart attack patients. It is rarely isolated, often accompanying other cardiac wall damage.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Electrocardiography
Background:
- Posterior wall myocardial infarction (PWMI) diagnosis can be challenging.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings in leads V1-2 may indicate PWMI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of PWMI.
- To analyze ECG characteristics, specifically high R waves in V1-2, associated with PWMI.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serial ECGs from 1,452 patients with myocardial infarction.
- Identification of PWMI based on specific ECG criteria.
Main Results:
- PWMI was identified in 7.3% of patients (106 cases).
- Isolated PWMI occurred in only 1% of cases; it frequently co-occurred with inferior and/or lateral wall infarctions.
- High R wave in V1-2 appeared in 32 cases on initial ECG and in 74 cases subsequently.
Conclusions:
- PWMI is a significant finding in myocardial infarction cases.
- The presence of PWMI, especially with concurrent inferior or lateral wall involvement, suggests extensive myocardial necrosis and has prognostic implications.