U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination

Abnormal EKG

MedGen UID:
105507
Concept ID:
C0522055
Finding
Synonyms: Abnormal ECG; Abnormal electrocardiogram; ECG abnormalities; EKG abnormalities; Electrocardiographic abnormalities
SNOMED CT: Abnormal EKG finding (102594003); Abnormal ECG (102594003); Electrocardiogram abnormal (102594003)
 
HPO: HP:0003115

Definition

Abnormal rhythm of the heart. [from HPO]

Conditions with this feature

Duchenne muscular dystrophy
MedGen UID:
3925
Concept ID:
C0013264
Disease or Syndrome
The dystrophinopathies cover a spectrum of X-linked muscle disease ranging from mild to severe that includes Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, and DMD-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The mild end of the spectrum includes the phenotypes of asymptomatic increase in serum concentration of creatine phosphokinase (CK) and muscle cramps with myoglobinuria. The severe end of the spectrum includes progressive muscle diseases that are classified as Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy when skeletal muscle is primarily affected and as DMD-associated DCM when the heart is primarily affected. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) usually presents in early childhood with delayed motor milestones including delays in walking independently and standing up from a supine position. Proximal weakness causes a waddling gait and difficulty climbing stairs, running, jumping, and standing up from a squatting position. DMD is rapidly progressive, with affected children being wheelchair dependent by age 12 years. Cardiomyopathy occurs in almost all individuals with DMD after age 18 years. Few survive beyond the third decade, with respiratory complications and progressive cardiomyopathy being common causes of death. Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is characterized by later-onset skeletal muscle weakness. With improved diagnostic techniques, it has been recognized that the mild end of the spectrum includes men with onset of symptoms after age 30 years who remain ambulatory even into their 60s. Despite the milder skeletal muscle involvement, heart failure from DCM is a common cause of morbidity and the most common cause of death in BMD. Mean age of death is in the mid-40s. DMD-associated DCM is characterized by left ventricular dilatation and congestive heart failure. Females heterozygous for a DMD pathogenic variant are at increased risk for DCM.
Becker muscular dystrophy
MedGen UID:
182959
Concept ID:
C0917713
Disease or Syndrome
The dystrophinopathies cover a spectrum of X-linked muscle disease ranging from mild to severe that includes Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, and DMD-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The mild end of the spectrum includes the phenotypes of asymptomatic increase in serum concentration of creatine phosphokinase (CK) and muscle cramps with myoglobinuria. The severe end of the spectrum includes progressive muscle diseases that are classified as Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy when skeletal muscle is primarily affected and as DMD-associated DCM when the heart is primarily affected. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) usually presents in early childhood with delayed motor milestones including delays in walking independently and standing up from a supine position. Proximal weakness causes a waddling gait and difficulty climbing stairs, running, jumping, and standing up from a squatting position. DMD is rapidly progressive, with affected children being wheelchair dependent by age 12 years. Cardiomyopathy occurs in almost all individuals with DMD after age 18 years. Few survive beyond the third decade, with respiratory complications and progressive cardiomyopathy being common causes of death. Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is characterized by later-onset skeletal muscle weakness. With improved diagnostic techniques, it has been recognized that the mild end of the spectrum includes men with onset of symptoms after age 30 years who remain ambulatory even into their 60s. Despite the milder skeletal muscle involvement, heart failure from DCM is a common cause of morbidity and the most common cause of death in BMD. Mean age of death is in the mid-40s. DMD-associated DCM is characterized by left ventricular dilatation and congestive heart failure. Females heterozygous for a DMD pathogenic variant are at increased risk for DCM.
Muscular dystrophy, cardiac type
MedGen UID:
254845
Concept ID:
C1442927
Disease or Syndrome
Bethlem myopathy
MedGen UID:
331805
Concept ID:
C1834674
Disease or Syndrome
Bethlem myopathy-1 (BTHLM1) is a congenital muscular dystrophy characterized by distal joint laxity and a combination of distal and proximal joint contractures. The age at onset is highly variable, ranging from infancy to adulthood. Disease progression is slow and ambulation is usually retained into adulthood (summary by Butterfield et al., 2013). Genetic Heterogeneity of Bethlem Myopathy See Bethlem myopathy-1B (BTHLM1B; 620725), caused by mutation in the COL6A2 gene (120240) on chromosome 21q22; Bethlem myopathy-1C (620726), caused by mutation the COL6A3 gene (120250) on chromosome 2q37; and Bethlem myopathy-2 (BTHLM2; 616471), caused by mutation in the COL12A1 gene (120320) on chromosome 6q13-q14.
Nathalie syndrome
MedGen UID:
338087
Concept ID:
C1850626
Disease or Syndrome
Nathalie syndrome has characteristics of deafness, cataract, muscular atrophy, skeletal abnormalities, growth retardation, underdeveloped secondary sexual characteristics and electrocardiographic abnormalities. It has been described in a Dutch family: in three sisters (one named Nathalie) and their brother.
Friedreich ataxia 1
MedGen UID:
383962
Concept ID:
C1856689
Disease or Syndrome
Typical Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is characterized by progressive ataxia with onset from early childhood to early adulthood with mean age at onset from 10 to 15 years (range: age two years to the eighth decade). Ataxia, manifesting initially as poor balance when walking, is typically followed by upper-limb ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, peripheral motor and sensory neuropathy, spasticity, autonomic disturbance, and often abnormal eye movements and optic atrophy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is present in about two thirds of individuals; occasionally it is diagnosed prior to the onset of ataxia. Diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance can also occur. Among individuals with FRDA, about 75% have "typical Friedreich ataxia" and about 25% of individuals with biallelic FXN full-penetrance GAA repeat expansions have "atypical Friedreich ataxia" that includes late-onset FRDA (LOFA) (i.e., onset after age 25 years), very late-onset FRDA (VLOFA) (i.e., onset after age 40 years), and FRDA with retained reflexes (FARR).
Friedreich ataxia 2
MedGen UID:
356134
Concept ID:
C1865981
Disease or Syndrome
Typical Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is characterized by progressive ataxia with onset from early childhood to early adulthood with mean age at onset from 10 to 15 years (range: age two years to the eighth decade). Ataxia, manifesting initially as poor balance when walking, is typically followed by upper-limb ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, peripheral motor and sensory neuropathy, spasticity, autonomic disturbance, and often abnormal eye movements and optic atrophy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is present in about two thirds of individuals; occasionally it is diagnosed prior to the onset of ataxia. Diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance can also occur. Among individuals with FRDA, about 75% have "typical Friedreich ataxia" and about 25% of individuals with biallelic FXN full-penetrance GAA repeat expansions have "atypical Friedreich ataxia" that includes late-onset FRDA (LOFA) (i.e., onset after age 25 years), very late-onset FRDA (VLOFA) (i.e., onset after age 40 years), and FRDA with retained reflexes (FARR).
Pulmonic stenosis, atrial septal defect, and unique electrocardiographic abnormalities
MedGen UID:
357274
Concept ID:
C1867407
Disease or Syndrome
Hereditary hypotrichosis with recurrent skin vesicles
MedGen UID:
442697
Concept ID:
C2751292
Disease or Syndrome
Hypotrichosis and recurrent skin vesicles (HYPTSV) is characterized by sparse to absent scalp hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair, as well as recurrent vesicles of scalp and skin. Some patients also exhibit trauma-induced blistering, and anomalies of dental enamel and of nails may be observed (Ayub et al., 2009; Onoufriadis et al., 2020).

Professional guidelines

PubMed

Wilde AAM, Amin AS, Postema PG
Heart 2022 Mar;108(5):332-338. Epub 2021 May 26 doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-318259. PMID: 34039680Free PMC Article
Klein DA, Sylvester JE, Schvey NA
Am Fam Physician 2021 Jan 1;103(1):22-32. PMID: 33382560
Abid I, Ewais MM, Marranca J, Jaroszewski DE
J Am Osteopath Assoc 2017 Feb 1;117(2):106-113. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2017.021. PMID: 28134952

Recent clinical studies

Etiology

Van Hersh A, Jawad K, Feygin Y, Johnsrude C, Dasgupta S
Am J Emerg Med 2023 Sep;71:195-199. Epub 2023 Jun 28 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.06.041. PMID: 37423027Free PMC Article
Yassin A, El-Salem K, Khassawneh BY, Al-Mistarehi AH, Jarrah M, Zein Alaabdin AM, Abumurad SK, Qasaimeh MG, Bashayreh SY, Kofahi RM, Alhayk KA, Alshorafat D, Al Qawasmeh M
Seizure 2021 Jul;89:19-23. Epub 2021 Apr 25 doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.04.016. PMID: 33971558
Sánchez-Montalvá A, Salvador F, Rodríguez-Palomares J, Sulleiro E, Sao-Avilés A, Roure S, Valerio L, Evangelista A, Molina I
PLoS One 2016;11(6):e0157597. Epub 2016 Jun 16 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157597. PMID: 27308824Free PMC Article
Purdue GF, Hunt JL
J Trauma 1986 Feb;26(2):166-7. doi: 10.1097/00005373-198602000-00013. PMID: 3944840
King WH, Lancaster MC, Cloyd DE
Aviat Space Environ Med 1975 Apr;46(4 Sec 1):436-40. PMID: 1080049

Diagnosis

Van Hersh A, Jawad K, Feygin Y, Johnsrude C, Dasgupta S
Am J Emerg Med 2023 Sep;71:195-199. Epub 2023 Jun 28 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.06.041. PMID: 37423027Free PMC Article
Yassin A, El-Salem K, Khassawneh BY, Al-Mistarehi AH, Jarrah M, Zein Alaabdin AM, Abumurad SK, Qasaimeh MG, Bashayreh SY, Kofahi RM, Alhayk KA, Alshorafat D, Al Qawasmeh M
Seizure 2021 Jul;89:19-23. Epub 2021 Apr 25 doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.04.016. PMID: 33971558
Hutchisson B, Cossey S, Wheeler R
AORN J 1999 Jan;69(1):222-7, 229-39; quiz 240-2, 245-6. doi: 10.1016/s0001-2092(06)62771-3. PMID: 9932179
Purdue GF, Hunt JL
J Trauma 1986 Feb;26(2):166-7. doi: 10.1097/00005373-198602000-00013. PMID: 3944840
King WH, Lancaster MC, Cloyd DE
Aviat Space Environ Med 1975 Apr;46(4 Sec 1):436-40. PMID: 1080049

Therapy

Zhang K, Shen J, Liang Y, Meng X, Yang B, Ma J, Hu K, Qiu J, Hou X, Zhang F
BMC Cancer 2025 Feb 28;25(1):373. doi: 10.1186/s12885-025-13769-x. PMID: 40022040Free PMC Article
Hashemzadeh M, Aghdasi S, Movahed MR
J Electrocardiol 2024 Jul-Aug;85:69-71. Epub 2024 Jun 19 doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2024.06.002. PMID: 38905896
Yen CW, Lee J, Chang YT, Lee EP, Wu CT, Chang YJ
Pediatr Neonatol 2023 Nov;64(6):659-666. Epub 2023 May 24 doi: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2023.01.005. PMID: 37302919Free PMC Article
Sowa P, Blecha M
Ann Vasc Surg 2022 Apr;81:258-266. Epub 2021 Nov 6 doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2021.08.045. PMID: 34752850
H-Y CS, Xuemei C, G KR, M BL, V HG, A SF, K FS
BMC Neurol 2012 Dec 15;12:158. doi: 10.1186/1471-2377-12-158. PMID: 23241423Free PMC Article

Prognosis

Van Hersh A, Jawad K, Feygin Y, Johnsrude C, Dasgupta S
Am J Emerg Med 2023 Sep;71:195-199. Epub 2023 Jun 28 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.06.041. PMID: 37423027Free PMC Article
Yen CW, Lee J, Chang YT, Lee EP, Wu CT, Chang YJ
Pediatr Neonatol 2023 Nov;64(6):659-666. Epub 2023 May 24 doi: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2023.01.005. PMID: 37302919Free PMC Article
Yassin A, El-Salem K, Khassawneh BY, Al-Mistarehi AH, Jarrah M, Zein Alaabdin AM, Abumurad SK, Qasaimeh MG, Bashayreh SY, Kofahi RM, Alhayk KA, Alshorafat D, Al Qawasmeh M
Seizure 2021 Jul;89:19-23. Epub 2021 Apr 25 doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.04.016. PMID: 33971558
Dasgupta S, Kelleman M, Slesnick T, Oster ME
Am J Emerg Med 2020 May;38(5):855-859. Epub 2019 Jun 25 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.06.045. PMID: 31272753
Wang TJ, Sangha O, Phillips CB, Wright EA, Lew RA, Fossel AH, Fossel K, Shadick NA, Liang MH, Sundel RP
J Rheumatol 1998 Nov;25(11):2249-53. PMID: 9818672

Clinical prediction guides

Van Hersh A, Jawad K, Feygin Y, Johnsrude C, Dasgupta S
Am J Emerg Med 2023 Sep;71:195-199. Epub 2023 Jun 28 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.06.041. PMID: 37423027Free PMC Article
Yen CW, Lee J, Chang YT, Lee EP, Wu CT, Chang YJ
Pediatr Neonatol 2023 Nov;64(6):659-666. Epub 2023 May 24 doi: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2023.01.005. PMID: 37302919Free PMC Article
Yassin A, El-Salem K, Khassawneh BY, Al-Mistarehi AH, Jarrah M, Zein Alaabdin AM, Abumurad SK, Qasaimeh MG, Bashayreh SY, Kofahi RM, Alhayk KA, Alshorafat D, Al Qawasmeh M
Seizure 2021 Jul;89:19-23. Epub 2021 Apr 25 doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.04.016. PMID: 33971558
Dasgupta S, Kelleman M, Slesnick T, Oster ME
Am J Emerg Med 2020 May;38(5):855-859. Epub 2019 Jun 25 doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.06.045. PMID: 31272753
Sánchez-Montalvá A, Salvador F, Rodríguez-Palomares J, Sulleiro E, Sao-Avilés A, Roure S, Valerio L, Evangelista A, Molina I
PLoS One 2016;11(6):e0157597. Epub 2016 Jun 16 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157597. PMID: 27308824Free PMC Article

Supplemental Content

Table of contents

    Clinical resources

    Practice guidelines

    • PubMed
      See practice and clinical guidelines in PubMed. The search results may include broader topics and may not capture all published guidelines. See the FAQ for details.
    • Bookshelf
      See practice and clinical guidelines in NCBI Bookshelf. The search results may include broader topics and may not capture all published guidelines. See the FAQ for details.

    Consumer resources

    Recent activity

    Your browsing activity is empty.

    Activity recording is turned off.

    Turn recording back on

    See more...