What does a delta wave look like on ECG?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can tell you that delta waves are a specific type of abnormal wave seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). Delta waves are characteristic of a pre-excitation syndrome known as Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. Here's how to identify them: 1. Broad Upstroke: Delta waves have a slow and broad upstroke to the QRS complex, which is the initial electrical activity representing ventricular depolarization. 2. Slurred Beginning: The beginning of the QRS complex is slurred, which gives the appearance of a "delta" shape, hence the name. 3. Duration: Delta waves are typically longer than 0.04 seconds (40 milliseconds) in duration. 4. Amplitude: The amplitude of delta waves can vary, but they are often quite prominent. 5. QRS Complex: The presence of a delta wave often shortens the PR interval because the electrical impulse reaches the ventricles earlier than normal. 6. R Wave: The R wave may be absent or reduced in the leads where the delta wave is most prominent. 7. Leads: Delta waves are often most noticeable in the leads that are facing the accessory pathway, which can vary depending on the individual's anatomy. Here's a visual representation in English: ``` [----|∆----|----] ^ ^ | +---- The QRS complex Delta wave ```

The Delta wave is a slurred upstroke in the QRS complex often associated with a short PR interval. It is most commonly associated with pre-excitation syndrome such as WPW.The characteristic ECG findings in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome are: Short PR interval (< 120ms) Broad QRS (> 100ms)