10/08/2025
#أحمد عبدالحافظ
Top 10 tricks & tips list to help you clinically and electrocardiographically distinguish LVH with strain pattern from Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) changes:
1. Look at the context first (clinical setting matters)
LVH strain is usually in patients with long-standing hypertension, aortic stenosis, or HCM.
IHD changes are often acute/subacute, with a history of angina, risk factors for coronary disease, or ACS presentation.
2. Distribution of ST-T changes
LVH strain → ST depression & T-wave inversion mainly in lateral leads (I, aVL, V5, V6) and sometimes in inferior leads.
IHD → changes usually follow a coronary artery territory (anterior, inferior, lateral) and may be localized.
3. Shape of the ST depression
LVH strain → Down-sloping ST depression with asymmetric T-wave inversion (slow descent, rapid return).
IHD → ST depression can be horizontal or upsloping; T-wave inversions are often symmetrical in ischemia.
4. Tall QRS voltage clues
LVH strain → QRS voltage criteria for LVH (S in V1 + R in V5/V6 > 35 mm, or R in aVL ≥ 11 mm, etc.).
IHD → QRS voltage is usually normal or even low if there’s myocardial damage.
5. ST elevation pattern
LVH strain → may have reciprocal-looking ST elevation in leads opposite the strain (e.g., V1–V3) but without a convex “tombstone” look.
IHD → ST elevation usually convex/straight in acute MI, with evolving Q-waves.
6. Stability over time
LVH strain → ECG pattern is chronic & stable over months/years.
IHD → evolves over hours–days (dynamic ST-T changes).
7. Lead aVL as a tell-tale sign
LVH strain → aVL often shows deep asymmetric T-wave inversion.
IHD → aVL changes depend on the vessel involved (e.g., high lateral MI).
8. Age & comorbidity lens
A young hypertensive patient → LVH strain more likely.
An older patient with diabetes, smoker, dyslipidemia → IHD more likely.
9. Echo correlation
LVH strain → LV wall thickness ↑ with preserved segmental motion initially.
IHD → Regional wall motion abnormalities in the territory of the infarct.
10. Golden rule – voltage + asymmetry = LVH strain
If you see high voltage + asymmetric deep T inversion in lateral leads → think LVH strain.
If voltage is normal + symmetric changes localized to a territory → think IHD.