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ECG Findings

  • Increased amplitude of P wave without affecting duration (as commonly seen with left atrial abnormalities)

  • Peaked P waves (> 2.5 mm) in leads II, III, aVF

  • P-wave upward deflection > 1.5 mm in lead V1 or V2

Pearls

  1. Normal P-wave morphology has amplitude of < 2.5 mV (2.5 small vertical boxes) and duration (width) of < 120 ms (three small boxes).

  2. The right atrium depolarizes before the left atrium and therefore has the most effect on the 1st portion of the P wave.

  3. Right atrial enlargement is often associated with RVH, COPD, some congenital heart diseases, and pulmonary hypertension, and may be seen transiently with pulmonary embolus.

FIGURE 23.41A

Right Atrial Hypertrophy. (ECG contributor: James V. Ritchie, MD.)

FIGURE 23.41B

The P wave in lead II (an inferior lead) is greater than 2.5 mm in amplitude (double arrow).

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