What Causes Non-Specific ST-T Wave Abnormalities?
Non-specific ST-T wave abnormalities can be caused by digitalis effect, myocardial ischemia, hypokalemia, left ventricular hypertrophy with strain and reciprocal changes from an ST elevation myocardial injury. Getting an electrocardiograph test will help diagnose the problem.
Myocardial ischemia is caused by insufficient blood flow to the myocardium due to a coronary atherosclerosis, which is also known as hardening of the arteries. Myocardial injury is diagnosed when there are no Q waves present. Myocardial infarction is when there are Q waves present. If there is an ST depression inferiorly and an ST elevation anteriorly, this means that the reciprocal changes inferiorly and there is an anterior wall injury pattern.
There are a few electrolyte abnormalities: hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia. Hypokalemia is also referred to as low potassium. The main cause is loss of potassium in urine due to diuretic medicines. Diarrhea and vomiting can also contribute to hypokalemia. Some symptoms of low potassium include fatigue, constipation or muscle cramps.
Left ventricular hypertrophy, or LVH, is normally caused by high blood pressure and also the enlargement of the ventricle. Right ventricular hypertrophy, or RVH, is the same as LVH, but in the right ventricle. Taking blood pressure medication and eating a healthy well-balanced diet can help prevent ventricular hypertrophy.
