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[Time of regression of the Q wave in patients with myocardial infarction]
M Negrusz-Kawecka1, G Kübler, P Salomon
1Katedry i Kliniki Kardiologii AM, Wrocławiu.
Insights
Q wave regression after myocardial infarction was studied in 72 patients. Complete regression was more common after inferior wall infarction, but overall, Q wave regression did not appear to improve patient prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrocardiography
- Ischemic Heart Disease
Background:
- Q waves on electrocardiograms (ECG) indicate transmural myocardial infarction.
- The prognostic significance of Q wave regression following myocardial infarction (MI) requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the rate of Q wave regression in patients with ischemic heart disease.
- To determine if Q wave regression correlates with improved prognosis after myocardial infarction.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 72 patients with ischemic heart disease was followed for two years.
- Patients were categorized based on the location of myocardial infarction (inferior or anterior wall).
- Electrocardiographic changes, specifically Q wave regression, were monitored throughout the follow-up period.
Main Results:
- Complete Q wave regression occurred in 41.3% of inferior wall MI patients versus 3.8% of anterior wall MI patients.
- Partial Q wave regression was observed in 19.6% of inferior and 7.6% of anterior wall MI patients.
- No clear association was found between Q wave regression and improved prognosis; deaths occurred in patients with and without ECG evidence of prior MI.
Conclusions:
- Q wave regression is more frequent after inferior wall myocardial infarction compared to anterior wall myocardial infarction.
- Electrocardiographic Q wave regression does not appear to be a reliable indicator of improved prognosis in patients with ischemic heart disease.
- Further research is needed to understand the prognostic implications of Q wave changes post-MI.
Abstract:
A rate of Q wave regression was assessed in 72 patients with ischaemic heart disease, including 46 patients after the infarction of the inferior wall and 26 patients after anterior wall infarction. All patients were followed-up for two years. Complete regression of Q wave was noted in 19 patients (41.3%) after inferior wall infarction and in one patient (3.8%) after anterior wall myocardial infarction. Partial regression of Q wave was seen in 9 patients (19.6%) after inferior wall, and in 2 patients (7.6%) of patients with anterior wall myocardial infarction. It seems that the regression of Q wave in ECG does not improve prognosis in these patients. Six out of 10 deaths which occurred in the followed up group of patients involved those in whom no electrographic features of the past myocardial infarction were seen.