QRS areas improve the electrocardiographic interpretation of right ventricular hypertrophy

Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) is the most frequent abnormality in children with heart disease. We have developed a computer electrocardiogram (ECG) diagnosis program to evaluate new scalar electrocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of this condition in children. The overall performance of our program was comparable to that of a pediatric cardiologist. Computer program diagnosis was correct in 93% of 60 individuals using standard criteria and in 97% using our newly developed area criteria. The cardiologist's ECG diagnosis in the same individuals was correct in 99%. The sensitivities of our two new criteria, the R/S area ratio in lead V1 and the R wave area in lead V1, were greater than currently used criteria for the diagnosis of RVH. Computer-derived electrocardiographic measurements, such as areas, can improve the accuracy of the ECG diagnosis of RVH.