Elsevier

The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Volume 8, Issue 5, September–October 1990, Pages 607-615
The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Selected topic ECG commentary
The electrocardiogram in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseL'electrocardiogramme en presence de maladie pulmonaire chronique obstructive

https://doi.org/10.1016/0736-4679(90)90458-8Get rights and content

Abstract

The electrocardiogram is often abnormal in patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The most frequent abnormalities are a rightward P-wave axis (⪖ 70°) and a rightward QRS axis (⪖ 90°). In addition, low voltage in the limb leads, an S1S2S3 pattern, poor R-wave progression, a posterior-superior terminal QRS vector or other changes may be present. Transient atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias are common. Knowledge of the usual electrocardiographic manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease enables the clinician to recognize uncharacteristic abnormalities, which often represent the effects of superimposed illnesses or drug toxicity.

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  • Cited by (0)

    This activity was supported in part by the American Heart Association Clinician Scientist Award #880441.

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