Interpretation and classification of microvolt T wave alternans tests

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2002 May;13(5):502-12. doi: 10.1046/j.1540-8167.2002.00502.x.

Abstract

Measurement of microvolt-level T wave alternans (TWA) during routine exercise stress testing now is possible as a result of sophisticated noise reduction techniques and analytic methods that have become commercially available. Even though this technology is new, the available data suggest that microvolt TWA is a potent predictor of arrhythmia risk in diverse disease states. As this technology becomes more widely available, physicians will be called upon to interpret microvolt TWA tracings. This review seeks to establish uniform standards for the clinical interpretation of microvolt TWA tracings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / diagnosis*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / etiology
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / etiology
  • Electrocardiography / classification
  • Electrocardiography / methods
  • Electrocardiography / standards*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Exercise Test*
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Reference Standards
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / diagnosis