[SCD-FORUM] 142S T wave alternans. Dr. Rondon

[SCD Symposium]

Reply to Dr. Nikolai Iabluchanski:

There is no clearly described mechanism as an origin for T wave alternans, but there are several theories.

1. There is no complete depolarization of the tissue, with different refractory periods and the formation of temporally different repolarization. 

2. Some regions of the myocardium do not recover completely, since their refractory periods are longer than the cycle… in this they may play a predominant role for M cells (they have refractory periods much longer than those of the endocardium). 

3. Alternation of action potential predominant in short cycles and predominant in diseased (ischemic) tissue. 

4. In some cases of channelopathies, such as those observed in LQTS, Brugada, etc. 

I think undoubtedly this may explain your doubt about the origin of T wave alternans. 

Dr Mauricio Rondón
Caracas - Venezuela