Giant U waves: an important clinical clue

nt U waves: an important clinical clue Review (3237) Total Article Views Authors: Verma N, Figueredo VM, Greenspan AM, Pressman GS Published Date April 2011 Volume 2011:2 Pages 51 - 55 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/RRCC.S18459 Nitin Verma, Vincent M Figueredo, Allan M Greenspan, Gregg S Pressman Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA Abstract: Electrocardiographic U waves are a common clinical finding, and yet are poorly understood by many physicians. They can be seen in many clinical conditions, most importantly hypokalemia and ischemic heart disease. Over the years, many theories have been put forth to explain their origin. While still not completely understood, it now appears that mechanoelectrical interactions are responsible for normal U waves. Pathologic U waves may be seen in ischemic heart disease where they sometimes point to acute ischemic events. The large U waves of hypokalemia are most likely not true U waves but rather the terminal deflection in a bifid T wave.