When an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) shows a "sine wave" pattern, it typically indicates a serious abnormality known as "sine wave pattern" or "sine wave sign." A sine wave pattern on an EKG is characterized by a smooth, undulating waveform that resembles a sine wave or the letter "S" and signifies a life-threatening cardiac condition.
The presence of a sine wave pattern on an EKG is most commonly associated with a condition called "ventricular tachycardia" (VT). Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid and potentially life-threatening heart rhythm originating from the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). It is often caused by a disturbance in the electrical signals that regulate the heart's pumping action.
A sine wave pattern suggests that the heart is unable to effectively contract and pump blood, and it indicates severe ventricular dysfunction. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention because it can rapidly deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation, a chaotic and disorganized rhythm that can lead to cardiac arrest.
If you encounter or suspect a sine wave pattern on an EKG, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Only trained healthcare professionals can properly diagnose and manage such conditions.