ecg pulmonary hypertension

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is crucial in diagnosing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It typically identifies alterations in cardiac structure and function potentially induced by PAH.

Upon detailed analysis, ECG may reveal right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), a consequence of increased pulmonary artery pressure that necessitates greater effort from the right ventricle to circulate blood through the lungs. Additionally, ECG might indicate right bundle branch block (RBBB), an ECG pattern suggesting a delay in the electrical conduction within the right ventricle. These alterations are often regarded as early indicators of PAH.

Beyond the common changes mentioned, ECG may also manifest less frequent but significant signs such as pulmonary P waves (P pulmonale), an ECG pattern that suggests enlargement of the right atrium, typically due to the right atrium having to contract more forcefully to push blood into the right ventricle as a result of elevated pulmonary artery pressure. Furthermore, ECG may demonstrate abnormalities in the ST segment and T waves, which could indicate myocardial ischemia and are associated with PAH.

In summary, while ECG does not provide a direct diagnosis of PAH, it offers vital insights into cardiac structure and function that aid physicians in evaluating a patient's risk for PAH. Consequently, if you exhibit symptoms or possess risk factors for PAH, your physician may recommend an ECG examination.