P-Wave Analysis in Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease with Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

In a group of 24 patients with severe chronic obstructive lung disease and varying degrees of pulmonary hypertension, a study was made of the relationship between haemodynamic data and the P wave as recorded both by conventional ECG and by a special recording method. An increased P-wave amplitude was recorded in 33% and 42% of the patients, respectively, with the two methods. None of the 5 patients with marked pulmonary hypertension and an elevated PCV pressure showed an increase of the P-wave amplitude, while all 6 patients with marked pulmonary hypertension but no elevation of the PCV pressure showed an increase of this amplitude on special recording. Changes in configuration of the P wave seem to be related to an increased PCV pressure.