Horizontal ECG in acute anterolateral myocardial infarction
Okan Erdogan1, Bahar Dalkilic2, Alper Kepez2
1Department of Cardiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. okanerdogan@yahoo.com.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|June 9, 2016
Summary
Horizontal electrocardiography (hECG) shows significantly higher ST segment changes in STEMI patients compared to standard ECG (sECG). This method aids in diagnosing anterior and lateral wall STEMI, especially in cases of diagnostic doubt.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Diagnostic Techniques
Background:
- Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires accurate and timely diagnosis.
- Standard electrocardiography (sECG) may sometimes present limitations in detecting subtle ST segment changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare ST segment changes detected by horizontal electrocardiography (hECG) versus sECG.
- To evaluate the efficacy of hECG in diagnosing anterior and/or lateral STEMI.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 58 patients diagnosed with acute anterior and/or lateral STEMI.
- Simultaneous recording of sECG and hECG using precordial leads (V3-6) placed horizontally.
- Comparative analysis of ST segment changes between the two methods.
Main Results:
- hECG demonstrated significantly higher mean ST segment changes (mV) in leads V4, V5, and V6 compared to sECG.
- These findings were consistent even in patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30 kg/m².
- The differences in ST segment changes were statistically significant (p < 0.001 for V5 and V6).
Conclusions:
- hECG provides more pronounced and easily detectable ST segment changes in anterior and/or lateral STEMI.
- hECG is a valuable adjunct to sECG for diagnosing STEMI when diagnostic uncertainty exists.
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