T-Wave Abnormalities Predict Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Chest Pain

Risk for cardiovascular events at 30 days increased in patients with T-wave abnormalities who did and did not have known coronary artery disease.

In patients who present with chest pain, ST-segment changes are strongly associated with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and risk for cardiovascular events. These authors evaluated the association between T-wave changes and risk for adverse cardiovascular events at 30 days in 5582 patients (age, >30) who presented to a single emergency department with a chief complaint of chest pain and had an electrocardiogram ordered in the ED. Investigators reviewed patients’ hospital courses and followed-up with patients by telephone calls 30 days after presentation.

Overall, 25% of patients had T-wave abnormalities (flattening or any degree of inversion) on the initial ECG. T-wave changes were associated with increased risk for the composite endpoint of …

Reviewing Author

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)