What are T wave changes?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain that T wave changes on an electrocardiogram (ECG) are significant as they can indicate various cardiac and non-cardiac conditions. The T wave represents the repolarization, or the recovery phase, of the ventricles after they have been depolarized during a heartbeat. T wave changes can manifest in several ways, including alterations in amplitude, duration, or morphology. For instance, low-amplitude T waves might suggest conditions that affect the heart's electrical activity, such as ischemia or electrolyte imbalances. Abnormally inverted T waves can be indicative of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, or other cardiac issues. It's also important to note that T waves are typically in the same direction as the QRS complex, which represents ventricular depolarization, except in certain leads like V2 in the right precordial leads where inversion can be normal. It's crucial to interpret T wave changes within the context of the entire ECG and the patient's clinical history, as these changes can be nonspecific and may require further investigation to determine their cause.

The T wave is the most labile wave in the ECG. T wave changes including low-amplitude T waves and abnormally inverted T waves may be the result of many cardiac and non-cardiac conditions. The normal T wave is usually in the same direction as the QRS except in the right precordial leads (see V2 below).