What is “early repolarization” and how does it appear on EKG?

Early repolarization is a common finding on an EKG, characterized by a transition phase of ventricular repolarization that is often depicted as J-point elevation. This J-point represents a specific point where the QRS complex ends and the ST segment begins, and when it is elevated, it indicates that the heart is undergoing repolarization earlier than usual.

In healthy individuals, this can appear as an elevation of the J-point that may be seen in the inferior and lateral leads, often associated with a concave upward ST segment. This pattern is typically benign and is more frequently observed in younger athletes and individuals without underlying heart conditions. It's important to differentiate early repolarization from other conditions such as myocardial ischemia, where the J-point might be elevated but accompanied by other changes which aren't characteristic of early repolarization.

Understanding early repolarization is crucial for accurate EKG interpretation, as it helps clinicians distinguish normal variants from pathological findings that could indicate underlying heart disease.