In what situation might you expect to see upright T waves?

• A. In ischemia
• B. During ventricular strain
• C. In a normal heart
• D. With hyperkalemia

Answer: (C)

Upright T waves are commonly observed in a normal heart rhythm. In this context, an upright T wave typically indicates that the heart's electrical recovery phase (repolarization) is occurring in a standard, healthy manner.

In a normal electrocardiogram (ECG), T waves are positive in most leads, reflecting the normal sequence of repolarization of the ventricles after a heartbeat. This means that, in healthy individuals, the T waves generally follow the QRS complex and exhibit a consistent morphology.

In other conditions such as ischemia, T waves may become inverted. Ventricular strain can lead to changes that might include flattened or inverted T waves as well. Hyperkalemia, which involves elevated potassium levels, often results in peaked T waves rather than upright ones, indicating a different underlying cardiac pathology.

Thus, identifying upright T waves in the setting of a normal heart provides a reassuring sign that the heart is functioning correctly without electrical disturbances.