Wellens syndrome is an ECG wave pattern that precedes a severe stenosis of the proximal LAD artery in the heart, often seen in patients with a history of angina. It is indicated by a fluctuation in the T wave on leads V2 to V5 and requires immediate medical treatment.
Wellens syndrome is essentially an electrocardiographic (ECG) wave pattern that precedes a very severe stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery within the heart. Typically, this pattern is seen in the T-wave portion of the ECG graph in patients with a history of angina who are not currently in pain. The phenomenon was first observed by its namesake, Dr. Hein Wellens, who discovered it in 1982. Doctors and nurses should be familiar with the ECG pattern of Wellens syndrome, because it usually precedes a very serious accident requiring treatment immediate medical. Case reports have also shown that the T wave pattern can develop in patients who are experiencing pain at the time.
An ECG is a medical device that measures electronic signals on the skin’s surface produced by the heart. This is measured by ten leads that are attached to the patient’s chest and limbs, the results of which are displayed on a graph. Wellens syndrome is indicated by a fluctuation in the so-called T wave on leads V2 to V5 attached to the patient. The T wave is a short section that follows the QRS interval and the ST segment. The QRS interval is the largest change in the ECG reading and is easily identified by the sharp rise and fall in activity; the ST segment is usually a short horizontal section.
Patients who have recently had angina or other chest pain are particularly at risk for Wellens syndrome, which is indicated by the T wave falling negatively at a 60-90 degree angle. This drop in reading often precedes a stenosis in the LAD artery. A stenosis is basically a narrowing of the artery to unusual and potentially dangerous levels. All patients who show early signs of Wellens syndrome should receive surgery or other medical care as soon as possible.
Other wave patterns on ECG readings that are consistent with Wellens syndrome can also be identified. For example, the Q wave, which usually precedes the large R wave, often disappears. This is coupled with a lack of change or perhaps a slight elevation in the ST portion of the wave. While these symptoms are usually indications of Wellens syndrome, they can occur without the resulting arterial narrowing. Other factors, such as lack of pain before the condition may also be different on some occasions.
Dr. Hein Wellens is the physician primarily credited for first identifying Wellens syndrome in 1982. He acknowledged that the patient’s condition was worsening. After some further studies of the affected patients, he found that most of them continued to suffer from problems with the LAD artery.
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