Diagnostic finding

Low voltage QRS

Electrocardiographic finding characterized by abnormally small QRS complex amplitudes (<5 mm in all limb leads and/or <10 mm in all precordial leads), reflecting reduced ventricular depolarization voltage recorded at the body surface.

Causes

  • Damping causes

    • Pericardial effusion

    • Pleural effusion

    • Obesity

    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with hyperinflated lungs

    • Severe generalized edema

    • Myxedema due to hypothyroidism

  • Myocardial causes

    • Massive myocardial infarction with myocardial scarring

    • Cardiac amyloidosis

    • Cardiac sarcoidosis

    • Dilated cardiomyopathy

    • Advanced heart failure

    • Myocarditis

    • Constrictive pericarditis

  • Technical factors: Incorrect lead placement or poor electrode contact

Also known as: Low electrocardiographic QRS voltage, Low QRS amplitude, Low QRS voltage

Referencing diagnoses

Note: Lists existing diagnoses in Diagnotize only.