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Clinical aspects of the early repolarization syndrome: a 2011 update
1Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. sh_stern@netvision.net.il
Insights
Early repolarization syndrome, characterized by J-point ST-elevation on ECG, may indicate a risk for ventricular fibrillation. However, it is not considered a high-risk marker in the general population, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Early repolarization syndrome (ERS) is an electrocardiographic (ECG) finding.
- Historically considered benign, recent studies question its safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical significance of J-point ST-elevation in early repolarization syndrome.
- To determine if ERS is a risk factor for sudden cardiac death.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies (2008/2009) on ERS and J-point ST-elevation.
- Analysis of retrospective data regarding inferolateral leads ECG findings.
Main Results:
- ERS may be associated with an increased risk of ventricular fibrillation.
- Risk appears minimal in athletes and not significant in the general population.
- Association with Brugada syndrome remains unproven.
Conclusions:
- ERS warrants careful evaluation in specific patient groups (syncope, arrhythmias, family history).
- It is not currently considered a high-risk marker for sudden cardiac death in the general population.
- Further prospective and genetic studies are required to clarify ERS's clinical significance.
Abstract:
Recent studies suggest that the electrocardiographic (ECG) finding of J-point ST-elevation, the early repolarization syndrome, is not as benign as earlier believed. Three important articles published in 2008/2009 suggest that this finding in the inferolateral leads of the ECG may be representing a risk for subsequent ventricular fibrillation. Although these retrospective studies do justify a careful evaluation of persons with this electrocardiographic pattern, especially of those with syncope or ventricular arrhythmias and/or family history of sudden cardiac death, it seems to be unjustified to consider it today to be a marker for high risk for sudden cardiac deaths in a general population. Even in athletes, early repolarization was found to increase only minimally their arrhythmic risk. In spite of certain similarities with the Brugada syndrome, their association is far from being proved. Prospective studies and further electrophysiological and genetic information will help to clarify the clinical significance of this syndrome.
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