Pathologic Q Waves: Difference between revisions

[[Image:PathoQ.png|thumb| A pathologic Q wave]]

Pathologic Q waves are a sign of '''previous [[Myocardial Infarction|myocardial infarction]]'''. The are the result of absence of electrical activity. A myocardial infarction can be thought of as an elecrical 'hole' as scar tissue is electrically dead and therefore results in pathologic Q waves. Pathologic Q waves are not an early sign of myocardial infarction, but '''generally take several hours to days to develop'''. Once pathologic Q waves have developed they rarely go away. However, if the myocardial infarction is reperfused early (e.g. as a result of percutaneous coronary intervention) stunned myocardial tissue can recover and pathologic Q waves disappear. In all other situations they '''usually persist indefinitely'''.