Interpretation and classification of microvolt T wave alternans tests.
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.
Bloomfield
Daniel M
DM
Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, USA. dmb9@columbia.edu
Hohnloser
Stefan H
SH
Cohen
Richard J
RJ
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005080:Exercise Test; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D012015:Reference Standards; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000175:diagnosis