What it means
On an electrocardiogramih-lek-troh-KAR-dee-oh-gramA test that records the heart's electrical activity as waves on paper or a screen.electr/o electricitycardi/o heart-gram recordFull entry (ECG), the T wave follows the QRS complexKYOO-ar-es KOM-pleksThe tall, spiky wave on an ECG that shows the electrical signal spreading through the ventricles.Full entry and shows ventricular repolarization, the electrical "reset" of the ventricles before the next beat. It is normally upright and rounded in most leads. Its shape changes with blood potassium levels and with poor blood flow to the heart muscle: it can become tall and peaked, flat, or upside down.
For the nurse
Report a change in the T wave on the cardiac monitor, along with the client's potassium level and any chest pain.
At a glance
| Also written | T waves, T-wave |
|---|
Related terms
hyperkalemia
A blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.
electrocardiogram
A test that records the heart's electrical activity as waves on paper or a screen.
QRS complex
The tall, spiky wave on an ECG that shows the electrical signal spreading through the ventricles.