Related Subjects:
|ECG Basics
|ECG Axis
|ECG Analysis
|ECG LAD
|ECG RAD
|ECG Low voltage
|ECG Pathological Q waves
|ECG ST/T wave changes
|ECG LBBB
|ECG RBBB
|ECG short PR
|ECG Heart Block
|ECG Asystole and P wave asystole
|ECG QRS complex
|ECG ST segment
|ECG: QT interval
|ECG: LVH
|ECG RVH
|ECG: Bundle branch blocks
|ECG Dominant R wave in V1
|ECG Acute Coronary Syndrome
|ECG Crib sheets
🔎 Causes of a Tall R Wave in V1
- 💪 Right Ventricular Hypertrophy (RVH): Increased RV muscle mass → tall R wave in V1. ⚠️ Seen in pulmonary hypertension (COPD, PE, congenital heart disease).
- ❤️ Posterior Myocardial Infarction: Loss of posterior LV forces produces a reciprocal tall R in V1. ⚠️ Often with ST depression & upright T in V1–V3 → mimics RVH.
- ⚡ Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB): Delayed RV activation → prominent terminal R in V1. ⚠️ May be isolated or due to structural/ischaemic disease.
- 🔄 Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW): Pre-excitation via left-sided accessory pathway (Type A) → tall R in V1. ⚠️ Associated with SVT; look for short PR + delta wave.
- 🧬 Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Asymmetric septal hypertrophy can cause dominant R in V1. ⚠️ Risk of HF & sudden cardiac death; family history key.
- 🙂 Normal Variant: Some healthy young individuals have a tall R in V1. ⚠️ No further workup if asymptomatic and no other ECG abnormalities.
- ➡️ Dextrocardia: Heart on right side of chest → mirror image ECG. ⚠️ Confirm with CXR or echo; look for reversed limb lead polarity.
- 🧠 Neuromuscular Disorders: Duchenne & Myotonic dystrophy can cause ECG changes incl. tall R in V1. ⚠️ Check CK, look for weakness & systemic features.