Key result
Cardiac memory is a frequently encountered, mostly benign ECG phenomenon characterized by T wave changes following abnormal ventricular activation that requires differentiation from ischemia.
Knowledge of the ECG pattern of cardiac memory helps in the quick differential diagnosis from ischemia, avoiding unnecessary testing in asymptomatic subjects.
Recognition of cardiac memory may prevent misdiagnosis of ischemia on ECG; leaves open need for prospective validation of differentiation criteria.
Cardiac memory (CM) is defined as changes in T wave polarity and vector that appear after cessation of a period of abnormal ventricular depolarization of various causes. The mechanisms responsible for CM development are initiation by local stretch, requiring myocardial contraction, followed by a cascade of intracellular signals that lead to a reduction in repolarization currents, especially Ito. In practice, CM is a frequently encountered ECG phenomenon, especially in patients with intermittent ventricular pacing, and knowledge of the ECG pattern of CM may help quick differential diagnosis from ischemia. While CM is most often a benign finding, in rare cases, association between CM and severe bradycardia or other factors for QT prolongation may be pro-arrhythmic and requires emergency care.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Suran et al. (2019) conducted a review in Cardiac memory. Cardiac memory was evaluated. Cardiac memory is a frequently encountered, mostly benign ECG phenomenon characterized by T wave changes following abnormal ventricular activation that requires differentiation from ischemia.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: