What does the T wave on an EKG indicate?

The T wave on an EKG represents ventricular repolarization, which is the process in which the ventricles recover their electrical state after contraction. During the cardiac cycle, after the ventricles depolarize and contract (indicated by the QRS complex), the heart requires a brief period to reset its electrical state. This resetting is depicted by the T wave on the electrocardiogram.

The significance of the T wave is that it reflects the recovery phase of the heart’s electrical cycle, where the muscle cells in the ventricles return to their resting state. A normal T wave is typically upright and smooth in shape, and abnormalities can indicate various cardiac issues, such as ischemia or electrolyte imbalances. Understanding the T wave and its implications allows healthcare professionals to interpret EKG readings effectively, contributing to accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.