Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

ST-segment elevation in lead aVR greater than that in lead V(1) secondary to diffuse myocardial ischemia from

Mohammad Reza Habibzadeh1, Gordon A Ewy

  • 1University of Arizona College of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA.

Clinical Cardiology
|May 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

ST-segment elevation in aVR in acute coronary syndrome typically indicates severe coronary artery disease. However, this study identifies prolonged hypotension as another significant cause of this critical electrocardiogram finding.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrocardiography
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Predicting significant left main or diffuse three-vessel coronary artery disease is vital in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.
  • ST-segment elevation in the aVR lead (aVR STE) on an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a recognized marker for left main coronary artery (LMCA) obstruction or severe diffuse coronary artery disease (CAD) in ACS.

Observation:

  • This report details a case where aVR STE was observed in a patient with ACS.
  • The patient presented with prolonged hypotension, leading to diffuse myocardial ischemia.

Findings:

  • The aVR STE was not caused by LMCA obstruction or diffuse CAD.
  • The findings indicate that prolonged hypotension can mimic the ECG findings of severe coronary artery disease.

Implications:

  • This highlights the importance of considering non-coronary causes, such as severe hypotension, when interpreting aVR STE in ACS.
  • Clinicians should consider hemodynamic status alongside ECG findings for accurate diagnosis and timely management in acute coronary syndromes.

More Related Videos

Postconditioning with Lactate-enriched Blood for Cardioprotection in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction05:26

Postconditioning with Lactate-enriched Blood for Cardioprotection in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Published on: May 28, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...