Interatrial block: the pandemic remains poorly perceived.
Interatrial block (IAB; P duration >or=110 ms) is a common electrocardiogram abnormality, which in addition to reduced left atrial function predicts atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias. P terminal force (Ptf) +/- biphasic P in lead V(1)>or= the area of one small square on the grid also indicates left atrial abnormality, particularly left atrial enlargement, which is a strong correlate of IAB. Among 482 consecutively recorded electrocardiograms, IAB and Ptf were strongly and significantly correlated (chi(2)= 68.041; P <or= 0.001).In conclusion, interatrial block exists in pandemic proportions in unselected hospital patients. Because of its pathologic implications it requires widespread attention which, heretofore, has been lacking.
Spodick
David H
DH
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Department of Medicine, Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, Massachusetts 01608, USA. david.spodick@stvincenthospital.com
Ariyarajah
Vignendra
V
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006327:Heart Block / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence