Description

The QRS complex may show a low voltage in a number of conditions.


 

Cardiac causes:

(1) multiple myocardial infarctions

(2) severe post-myocardial infarcton dysynergy

(2) cardiac amyloidosis or other infiltrative cardiomyopathies

(3) myocarditis

(4) reduced cardiac output (from hypovolemia, hemorrhage, etc).

(5) possibly increased hematocrit

(6) change in cardiac position

 

where:

• An increased hematocrit indicates polycythemia which can occur in COPD.

 

Pericardial causes:

(1) pericardial effusion

(2) pneumopericardium

(3) thickening of the pericardium

(4) hypothyroidism

 

where:

• The low voltage QRS in hypothyroidism is usually due to a pericardial effusion but the effect on myocytes may contribute.

 

Extracardiac causes:

(1) peripheral edema

(2) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

(3) pneumomediastinum

(4) pneumothorax

(5) pleural effusion

(6) subcutaneous emphysema

(7) obesity

(8) pulmonary edema

(9) pneumonia

 

It can also occur in patients who are otherwise normal (idiopathic).

 


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