Benign early repolarization: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Benign early repolarization | |||
| image = [[File:Semantic_confusion_early_repolarization_(CardioNetworks_ECGpedia).svg|250px]] | |||
| caption = ECG showing benign early repolarization | |||
| field = [[Cardiology]] | |||
| synonyms = Early repolarization pattern, J-wave pattern | |||
| symptoms = Usually asymptomatic, may present with [[chest pain]] | |||
| complications = Rarely associated with [[ventricular fibrillation]] | |||
| onset = Typically seen in young adults | |||
| duration = Persistent | |||
| causes = Idiopathic | |||
| risks = [[Male]] gender, [[athletic]] individuals, [[African]] descent | |||
| diagnosis = [[Electrocardiogram]] (ECG) | |||
| differential = [[Pericarditis]], [[Brugada syndrome]], [[Myocardial infarction]] | |||
| prevention = None | |||
| treatment = Usually none required | |||
| prognosis = Generally benign | |||
| frequency = Common in young, healthy individuals | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A common electrocardiographic finding in healthy individuals}} | {{Short description|A common electrocardiographic finding in healthy individuals}} | ||
'''Benign early repolarization''' (BER) is a common electrocardiographic (ECG) finding that is often seen in healthy individuals. It is characterized by specific changes in the ECG that are considered normal and not indicative of any underlying heart disease. This condition is most frequently observed in young adults and athletes. | '''Benign early repolarization''' (BER) is a common electrocardiographic (ECG) finding that is often seen in healthy individuals. It is characterized by specific changes in the ECG that are considered normal and not indicative of any underlying heart disease. This condition is most frequently observed in young adults and athletes. | ||
==Electrocardiographic Features== | ==Electrocardiographic Features== | ||
[[File:Semantic_confusion_early_repolarization_(CardioNetworks_ECGpedia).svg|Semantic confusion early repolarization|thumb | [[File:Semantic_confusion_early_repolarization_(CardioNetworks_ECGpedia).svg|Semantic confusion early repolarization|left|thumb]] | ||
The hallmark of benign early repolarization on an ECG is the presence of J-point elevation, which is the point where the QRS complex transitions into the ST segment. This elevation is typically seen in the inferior and lateral leads of the ECG. Other features may include: | The hallmark of benign early repolarization on an ECG is the presence of J-point elevation, which is the point where the QRS complex transitions into the ST segment. This elevation is typically seen in the inferior and lateral leads of the ECG. Other features may include: | ||
* '''ST segment elevation''': The ST segment may be elevated, but it is usually concave upwards. | * '''ST segment elevation''': The ST segment may be elevated, but it is usually concave upwards. | ||
* '''Notching or slurring of the terminal QRS complex''': This is often seen in the lateral leads. | * '''Notching or slurring of the terminal QRS complex''': This is often seen in the lateral leads. | ||
* '''Absence of reciprocal changes''': Unlike pathological conditions, BER does not show reciprocal changes in other leads. | * '''Absence of reciprocal changes''': Unlike pathological conditions, BER does not show reciprocal changes in other leads. | ||
==Clinical Significance== | ==Clinical Significance== | ||
Benign early repolarization is considered a normal variant and is not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in most individuals. However, it is important to differentiate BER from other conditions that can cause similar ECG changes, such as [[myocardial infarction]] or [[pericarditis]]. | Benign early repolarization is considered a normal variant and is not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in most individuals. However, it is important to differentiate BER from other conditions that can cause similar ECG changes, such as [[myocardial infarction]] or [[pericarditis]]. | ||
==Differential Diagnosis== | ==Differential Diagnosis== | ||
[[File:Benign_early_repolorization.jpg|Benign early repolarization ECG example|thumb | [[File:Benign_early_repolorization.jpg|Benign early repolarization ECG example|left|thumb]] | ||
The differential diagnosis for ECG changes similar to benign early repolarization includes: | The differential diagnosis for ECG changes similar to benign early repolarization includes: | ||
* '''Acute myocardial infarction''': Unlike BER, myocardial infarction is associated with reciprocal changes and clinical symptoms such as chest pain. | * '''Acute myocardial infarction''': Unlike BER, myocardial infarction is associated with reciprocal changes and clinical symptoms such as chest pain. | ||
* '''Pericarditis''': This condition can also cause ST segment elevation, but it is usually associated with a pericardial rub and widespread ST elevation. | * '''Pericarditis''': This condition can also cause ST segment elevation, but it is usually associated with a pericardial rub and widespread ST elevation. | ||
* '''Brugada syndrome''': This is a genetic condition that can cause similar ECG changes but is associated with a risk of sudden cardiac death. | * '''Brugada syndrome''': This is a genetic condition that can cause similar ECG changes but is associated with a risk of sudden cardiac death. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
In most cases, benign early repolarization does not require any specific treatment or intervention. It is important for healthcare providers to recognize this pattern to avoid unnecessary testing and anxiety for the patient. Regular follow-up and monitoring may be recommended in some cases to ensure that the ECG changes remain consistent with benign early repolarization. | In most cases, benign early repolarization does not require any specific treatment or intervention. It is important for healthcare providers to recognize this pattern to avoid unnecessary testing and anxiety for the patient. Regular follow-up and monitoring may be recommended in some cases to ensure that the ECG changes remain consistent with benign early repolarization. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Electrocardiography]] | * [[Electrocardiography]] | ||
* [[Myocardial infarction]] | * [[Myocardial infarction]] | ||
* [[Pericarditis]] | * [[Pericarditis]] | ||
* [[Brugada syndrome]] | * [[Brugada syndrome]] | ||
[[Category:Cardiology]] | [[Category:Cardiology]] | ||
[[Category:Electrophysiology]] | [[Category:Electrophysiology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:18, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Benign early repolarization | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Early repolarization pattern, J-wave pattern |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Usually asymptomatic, may present with chest pain |
| Complications | Rarely associated with ventricular fibrillation |
| Onset | Typically seen in young adults |
| Duration | Persistent |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Idiopathic |
| Risks | Male gender, athletic individuals, African descent |
| Diagnosis | Electrocardiogram (ECG) |
| Differential diagnosis | Pericarditis, Brugada syndrome, Myocardial infarction |
| Prevention | None |
| Treatment | Usually none required |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally benign |
| Frequency | Common in young, healthy individuals |
| Deaths | N/A |
A common electrocardiographic finding in healthy individuals
Benign early repolarization (BER) is a common electrocardiographic (ECG) finding that is often seen in healthy individuals. It is characterized by specific changes in the ECG that are considered normal and not indicative of any underlying heart disease. This condition is most frequently observed in young adults and athletes.
Electrocardiographic Features[edit]

The hallmark of benign early repolarization on an ECG is the presence of J-point elevation, which is the point where the QRS complex transitions into the ST segment. This elevation is typically seen in the inferior and lateral leads of the ECG. Other features may include:
- ST segment elevation: The ST segment may be elevated, but it is usually concave upwards.
- Notching or slurring of the terminal QRS complex: This is often seen in the lateral leads.
- Absence of reciprocal changes: Unlike pathological conditions, BER does not show reciprocal changes in other leads.
Clinical Significance[edit]
Benign early repolarization is considered a normal variant and is not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in most individuals. However, it is important to differentiate BER from other conditions that can cause similar ECG changes, such as myocardial infarction or pericarditis.
Differential Diagnosis[edit]

The differential diagnosis for ECG changes similar to benign early repolarization includes:
- Acute myocardial infarction: Unlike BER, myocardial infarction is associated with reciprocal changes and clinical symptoms such as chest pain.
- Pericarditis: This condition can also cause ST segment elevation, but it is usually associated with a pericardial rub and widespread ST elevation.
- Brugada syndrome: This is a genetic condition that can cause similar ECG changes but is associated with a risk of sudden cardiac death.
Management[edit]
In most cases, benign early repolarization does not require any specific treatment or intervention. It is important for healthcare providers to recognize this pattern to avoid unnecessary testing and anxiety for the patient. Regular follow-up and monitoring may be recommended in some cases to ensure that the ECG changes remain consistent with benign early repolarization.