The decrease in QRS amplitude after aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic valve stenosis

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of aortic valve replacement on electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with aortic valve stenosis.MethodsSerial 12-lead ECGs were obtained in 15 patients with aortic valve stenosis who underwent aortic valve replacement. Three ECG indexes for left ventricular hypertrophy were manually measured in each ECG: Sokolow-Lyon index (sum of S wave in V1 and R wave in V5), Cornell voltage index (sum of R wave in aVL and S wave in V3), and Gubner index (sum of R wave in I and S wave in III).ResultsAfter aortic valve replacement, Sokolow-Lyon index gradually decreased during 2 years (51.1 ± 17.9 to 34.8 ± 12.5 mm, P < .01). Cornell voltage index (25.6 ± 7.0 to 15.0 ± 4.8 mm, P < .01) and Gubner index (15.8 ± 7.6 to 10.3 ± 5.5 mm, P < .01) also gradually decreased during 2 years. ST depression in V6 was found in 14 patients (93%) before aortic valve replacement. It resolved in 9 of 14 patients during 2 years.ConclusionsElectrocardiographic evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy gradually resolved after aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic valve stenosis.