Does Young Athlete Have Cause for Concern?

ANSWER
The correct interpretation of this ECG includes sinus tachycardia and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Sinus tachycardia is evidenced by an atrial rate greater than 100 beats/min with a P wave for every QRS complex and a QRS complex for every P wave.

Left ventricular hypertrophy is present when either the sum of the R wave voltage in lead I and the S wave in lead III is 25 mm or higher or the sum of the S wave in lead V₁ and the R wave in either V₅ or V₆ is 35 mm or higher.

In follow-up to these findings, an echocardiogram was recommended and performed. It revealed a normal heart consistent with that of a young athlete.

The patient and his parents were reassured as to the young man’s condition but decided to seek a second opinion.