Cor Vasa 2011, 53(12):676-682 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2011.170

Early repolarization - a marker of ventricular fibrillation?

Jiří Procházka^*, Peter Wohlfahrt, Věra Adámková

Pracoviště preventivní kardiologie, Institut klinické a experimentální medicíny, Praha, Česká republika

Elevation of the junction between the QRS complex and the ST segment on the ECG, also known as "early repolarization", has been considered for many years a physiologic variant of the norm seen mainly in young and physically active individuals. Recently, we have seen a growing number of studies demonstrating a relationship between this phenomenon and an increased cardiovascular risk. Studies with patients suffering from idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) have confirmed a higher risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias in people with early repolarization. Elevation of the J point in inferior leads is associated with higher risk of arrhythmic and cardiac death even in the general population. Our paper describes the current state of knowledge concerning the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, cardiovascular risk and management of patients with early repolarization. It also highlights a number of equivocal issues that will need to be addressed in future in order to improve the prediction of risk and therapeutic options. Last but not least, it also points to similarities and differences between early repolarization and other premature repolarization syndromes - either congenital (Brugada syndrome, short QT syndrome) or acquired (acute ischemia, hypothermia), generally known as "J wave syndromes".

Keywords: Early repolarization; Early repolarization syndrome; ERS; Brugada syndrome; "J wave syndromes"

Published: December 1, 2011  Show citation