title: T-wave alternans and beat-to-beat variability of repolarization: pathophysiological backgrounds and clinical relevance.
abstract: In this review, we focus on temporal variability of cardiac repolarization. This phenomenon has been related to a higher risk for ventricular arrhythmia and is therefore interesting as a marker of sudden cardiac death risk. We review two non-invasive clinical techniques quantifying repolarization variability: T-wave alternans (TWA) and beat-to-beat variability of repolarization (BVR). We discuss their pathophysiological link with ventricular arrhythmia and the current clinical relevance of these techniques.
authors: Division of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Vincent
authors: V
authors: Floré
authors: Rik
authors: R
authors: Willems
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans