Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome
05:12

Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome

Published on: September 19, 2019

A dangerous twist of the 'T' wave: A case of Wellens' Syndrome

Kavitha Balasubramanian1, Ramachandran Balasubramanian, Anandaraja Subramanian

  • 1Indira Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute.

The Australasian Medical Journal
|April 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Wellens' syndrome, indicated by ECG changes during chest pain absence, signals critical artery narrowing. Early intervention can prevent myocardial infarction and sudden death.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Diagnostic Electrocardiography

Background:

  • Wellens' syndrome is characterized by specific electrocardiographic (ECG) changes.
  • These ECG changes indicate critical proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis.
  • The syndrome often presents during a chest pain-free interval.

Observation:

  • A patient with prior chest pain presented with subtle ischemic ECG changes that were initially missed.
  • A subsequent ECG, taken during a pain-free period, revealed biphasic T waves.
  • These ECG findings were highly suggestive of Wellens' syndrome.

Findings:

  • The biphasic T waves on ECG were indicative of critical left anterior descending artery stenosis.
  • Immediate coronary angiography confirmed the diagnosis of Wellens' syndrome.
  • The patient's condition highlighted the importance of recognizing subtle ECG patterns.

Implications:

  • Early recognition and invasive management of Wellens' syndrome can avert severe cardiac events.
  • This case underscores the diagnostic value of serial ECG monitoring in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.
  • Timely intervention based on ECG findings is vital for improving patient outcomes in acute coronary syndromes.

Keywords:
Wellens’ syndromeelectrocadiographic changesleft anterior descending artery obstructionrevascularisation

More Related Videos

Determining the Likelihood of Variant Pathogenicity Using Amino Acid-level Signal-to-Noise Analysis of Genetic Variation07:15

Determining the Likelihood of Variant Pathogenicity Using Amino Acid-level Signal-to-Noise Analysis of Genetic Variation

Published on: January 16, 2019

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis18:11

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

Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias01:28

Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias

Tachyarrhythmias are a type of dysrhythmia where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. Here are some common types of tachyarrhythmias:Sinus TachycardiaSinus tachycardia originates from increased impulses from the sinus node, leading to an elevated heart rate. It is often triggered by stress, fever, or exercise.Patients may experience palpitations, a sensation of a racing heart, dizziness, and chest discomfort.Causes and Risk Factors: Common causes include physical exertion, emotional...
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per minute.
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias01:16

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism, and...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...