During what condition would you expect to see elevated T waves on an EKG?

Elevated T waves on an EKG are typically associated with hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. In hyperkalemia, the excess potassium affects the cardiac myocytes, leading to alterations in the repolarization process of the heart. This disruption often manifests as peaked, or tented, T waves on the EKG.

As potassium levels rise, the resting membrane potential becomes less negative, and this change results in faster depolarization and delayed repolarization, causing the T wave to appear taller and more pronounced. Monitoring T wave morphology can help healthcare providers identify and manage hyperkalemia promptly, as it can lead to serious cardiac complications.

In contrast, conditions such as hypokalemia tend to result in flattened or inverted T waves, while ischemia typically presents with T wave inversion or depression. A healthy heart would usually exhibit normal T wave patterns, not the characteristic elevation seen in hyperkalemia. Understanding these relationships is crucial for interpreting EKG results accurately.