Determination of risk for atrial fibrillation utilizing precise P wave duration-measuring methodology

Increased duration of the P wave has been shown to be an indicator of increased risk for atrial fibrillation. This paper describes a method of obtaining the "true P wave duration" from previously recorded six-channel electrocardiograms, using readily available personal computers and software instead of more expensive P wave signal averaging devices. P wave duration in the atrial fibrillation group was significantly greater than in the nonfibrillation group. Measuring true P wave duration has greater sensitivity and specificity than measuring "conventional P wave duration." Precise measurement of P wave duration may prove to be an important factor in determining the risk of atrial arrhythmias. (c) 2001 by CHF, Inc.