As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can tell you that delta waves are a specific type of abnormal wave seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). Delta waves are characteristic of a pre-excitation syndrome known as Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. Here's how to identify them:
1.
Broad Upstroke: Delta waves have a slow and broad upstroke to the QRS complex, which is the initial electrical activity representing ventricular depolarization.
2.
Slurred Beginning: The beginning of the QRS complex is slurred, which gives the appearance of a "delta" shape, hence the name.
3.
Duration: Delta waves are typically longer than 0.04 seconds (40 milliseconds) in duration.
4.
Amplitude: The amplitude of delta waves can vary, but they are often quite prominent.
5.
QRS Complex: The presence of a delta wave often shortens the PR interval because the electrical impulse reaches the ventricles earlier than normal.
6.
R Wave: The R wave may be absent or reduced in the leads where the delta wave is most prominent.
7.
Leads: Delta waves are often most noticeable in the leads that are facing the accessory pathway, which can vary depending on the individual's anatomy.
Here's a visual representation in English:
```
[----|∆----|----]
^ ^
| +---- The QRS complex
Delta wave
```
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