Evaluation of depolarization changes during acute myocardial ischemia by analysis of QRS slopes.

OBJECTIVE This study evaluates depolarization changes in acute myocardial ischemia by analysis of QRS slopes. METHODS In 38 patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention, changes in upward slope between Q and R waves and downward slope between R and S waves (DS) were analyzed. In leads V1 to V3, upward slope of the S wave was additionally analyzed. Ischemia was quantified by myocardial scintigraphy. Also, conventional QRS and ST measures were determined. RESULTS QRS slope changes correlated significantly with ischemia (for DS: r = 0.71, P < .0001 for extent, and r = 0.73, P < .0001 for severity). Best corresponding correlation for conventional electrocardiogram parameters was the sum of R-wave amplitude change (r = 0.63, P < .0001; r = 0.60, P < .0001) and the sum of ST-segment elevation (r = 0.67, P < .0001; r = 0.73, P < .0001). Prediction of extent and severity of ischemia increased by 12.2% and 7.1% by adding DS to ST. CONCLUSIONS The downward slope between R and S waves correlates with ischemia and could have potential value in risk stratification in acute ischemia in addition to ST-T analysis.