As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide insight into the significance of an abnormal P wave on an electrocardiogram (ECG). An abnormal P wave can indicate several cardiac conditions, but one of the most common implications is atrial enlargement. This enlargement could be due to left atrial enlargement (LAE) or right atrial enlargement (RAE), which can be caused by various factors such as high blood pressure, heart valve disease, or other heart conditions that affect the atrial chambers. The normal P wave is characterized by a duration of less than 0.12 seconds, and the largest deflection, whether positive or negative, should not exceed 2.5 mm. When the P wave deviates from these characteristics, it can suggest an abnormality in the atrial depolarization process, which follows the discharge of the sinus node. It's important to note that the interpretation of P waves should be done in the context of the entire ECG and the patient's medical history, as there can be other explanations for an abnormal P wave. read more >>

The normal P wave is less than 0.12 seconds in duration, and the largest deflection, whether positive or negative, should not exceed 2.5 mm. An abnormal P wave may indicate atrial enlargement. Atrial depolarization follows the discharge of the sinus node.read more >>