ST elevation in ECG lead aVR signals severe acute left main coronary artery disease

A Ghosh Dastidar, P Garg, J N West

  • 1Dept Cardiovascular Science, University of Sheffield, Room M116, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill, Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX.

Acute Medicine
|December 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

ST elevation in lead aVR on ECG can indicate severe left main coronary artery disease in acute coronary syndrome patients. Early recognition and referral for percutaneous coronary intervention are crucial for better outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) requires prompt diagnosis and management.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a critical tool for assessing ACS.
  • ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has characteristic ECG findings.

Observation:

  • ST elevation in lead aVR is an underappreciated ECG finding.
  • This specific ECG pattern was observed in patients with severe left main coronary artery disease.
  • A case series of 6 patients highlighted this association.

Findings:

  • The predominant ECG feature in 6 patients with severe left main coronary artery disease was ST elevation in lead aVR.
  • Angiography confirmed significant left main coronary artery disease in all cases.
  • This highlights a critical diagnostic clue for a high-risk ACS presentation.

Implications:

  • Early identification of ST elevation in aVR is vital for patients with suspected ACS.
  • Prompt referral to specialized centers for percutaneous coronary intervention is essential.
  • This finding can improve management strategies for acute left main coronary artery disease.

Related Concept Videos

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...
943
Electrocardiogram Fundamentals01:28

Electrocardiogram Fundamentals

Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin...
2.2K
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...
1.2K
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...
2.1K
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
495
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization01:24

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
1.3K