Peaked T waves
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Overview
Peaked T waves refers to the pointed, tall, peaked shape of T waves on the EKG in the setting of certain abnormalities such as hyperkalemia.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis
- Differential diagnosis of this EKG change includes the T wave changes of bradycardia or stroke.
- Prominent U waves and QTc prolongation are more consistent with stroke than hyperkalemia.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
- Earliest sign of hyperkalemia
- Occurs with K > 5.5 meq/li
Electrocardiographic Examples
Electrocardiographic Examples
Shown below is the progression of T wave changes in hyperkalemia:
Shown below is an EKG showing peaked T waves in the lateral leads:
Shown below is an EKG showing symmetric, narrow, peaked T waves in the lateral leads:
References
References
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