T wave

T wave is a term used in Electrocardiography to describe the representation of the repolarization (or recovery) of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart) in an Electrocardiogram (ECG).

Overview

The T wave contains more information than the QRS complex; in the normal ECG, the T-wave is always upright in leads I, II, V3-V6, and variable in leads III, aVL, aVF, V1 and V2.

Physiology

The T wave represents the repolarization of the ventricles. The exact details of the repolarization process are still being studied, but it is generally accepted that the outer epicardial layers of the ventricular myocardium repolarize before the endocardial layers, and that the apex of the heart repolarizes before the base.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the T wave can represent a number of conditions, most importantly ischemia. Other conditions can also cause T wave abnormalities, including hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, and hypomagnesemia.

See also

• Electrocardiography
• QRS complex
• ST segment
• U wave

References

T wave Resources
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