Retrograde P wave

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

A retrograde P wave is a an atrial P wave on the elctrocardiogram that is inverted or upside down most often in leads II, III or aVF.

• Low atrial focus to the rhythm (narrow QRS complex present)
• Retrograde or backward electrical conduction from the AV node or ventricles to the atria (a wide QRS complex may or may not be present)
• AV nodal reentry tachycardia