title: Computer quantitation of Q-T and terminal T wave (aT-eT) intervals during exercise: methodology and results in normal men.
abstract: Computer-quantitated measurements of the Q-T intervals, the Q-T/Q-Tc ratio (Q-T/corrected Q-T) and the terminal T wave (apex to end of T [aT-eT] interval) were evaluated in resting and exercise electrocardiograms of 130 normal men with a mean age of 40 years. Pseudo-orthogonal, bipolar X, Y and Z axis leads were recorded during treadmill exercise testing, and 25 consecutive QRS-T complexes from standing rest and three exercise stages were computer-averaged. The Q-T intervals, Q-T/Q-Tc ratio and aT-eT interval measurements were then computed in the X and Z axis leads only, because the Y lead proved to be too noisy for accurate interpretation. A correlation coefficient of 0.9830 resulted between measurements made manually from the plotted, composite QRS-T complexes and those made by computer. No significant differences , in the paired sense, were found between any of the measurements. Measurements made on the Z axis lead; however, the differences in the measurements remained constant across all stages of exercise. A Q-T/Q-Tc ratio of greater than 1.08, previously reported to be a reliable indicator of coronary disease, was observed in the majority of our normal subjects during exercise. Although the Q-T interval is substantially influenced by many factors, the aT-eT interval proved not to be age- or heart rate-dependent. It appears that the aT-eT interval can be measured with a high degree of reliability during exercise and it may prove to be a relatively specific indicator of repolarization alterations that occur with myocardial ischemia.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003201:Computers; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged