What it means
Most ECGs show no U wave, or only a tiny one, after the T wave. A prominent U wave is a classic ECG change with hypokalemiahy-poh-kuh-LEE-mee-uhA blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.hypo- belowkal potassium (from its Latin name, kalium)-emia in the bloodFull entry , and can also be seen with some drugs and with a slow heart rate.
For the nurse
If new U waves appear on a client's rhythm strip, check the latest potassium level and report both.
At a glance
| Also written | U waves |
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Related terms
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
electrocardiogram
A test that records the heart's electrical activity as waves on paper or a screen.
PR interval
The part of an ECG from the start of the P wave to the start of the QRS complex.