Related Experiment Videos
R wave amplitude changes during transoesophageal atrial pacing in patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease
Insights
The R wave amplitude is not a reliable indicator for diagnosing ischemic heart disease (IHD). This study found it lacks the sensitivity and specificity of ST segment depression for IHD diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Ischemic heart disease (IHD) diagnosis relies on accurate indicators.
- The R wave amplitude's utility in IHD diagnosis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the R wave amplitude as a diagnostic criterion for IHD.
- To assess the correlation between R wave amplitude and left ventricular function.
Main Methods:
- Coronarography, left ventriculography, and transesophageal atrial pacing were performed.
- 15 patients with healthy coronary arteries and 49 with coronary stenosis were studied.
Main Results:
- R wave amplitude showed low specificity (40%) and sensitivity (29%) for IHD.
- ST segment depression demonstrated higher specificity (73%) and sensitivity (74%).
- No correlation was found between R wave amplitude changes and left ventricular ejection fraction or end-diastolic volume.
Conclusions:
- Increased R wave amplitude is not a reliable diagnostic criterion for IHD.
- R wave amplitude does not reflect the left ventricle's functional state.
Abstract:
15 patients with intact coronary arteries (control group) and 49 patients with coronary stenosis were for the purpose of differential diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease [IHD] subjected to coronarography, left ventriculography and transesophageal atrial pacing. The possibility of using the sum R wave amplitude as a criterion of IHD was assessed, as well as the relation between the R wave amplitude and the left ventricular function indicators--the ejection fraction and the end-diastolic volume. It was found that the increase of the R wave amplitude has distinctly lower specificity (40%) and sensitivity (29%) than the ischaemic depression of the ST segment (73 and 74% respectively). No correlation was found between R wave amplitude changes and indicators of the left ventricular function. The increase in the R wave amplitude cannot be therefore regarded as a reliable criterion of IHD and is not a reflection of the functional state of the left ventricle.