As a domain expert in the field of cardiology, I can explain what an epsilon wave is. An epsilon wave is a small deflection or wave seen on the electrocardiogram (ECG) in certain conditions, particularly in the setting of a
ventricular preexcitation syndrome known as Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. This wave is named after the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet, epsilon (ε), and it appears as a small positive deflection between the QRS complex and the ST segment of the ECG.
The presence of an epsilon wave is indicative of an accessory pathway, or an extra electrical connection, between the atria and ventricles of the heart that bypasses the normal pathway through the atrioventricular (AV) node. This can lead to a very rapid heart rate, known as tachycardia.
In summary, an epsilon wave on an ECG is a sign of an accessory pathway in the heart and is often associated with WPW syndrome.
read more >>