Autonomic modulation of the U wave during phenylephrine and esmolol infusions

The etiology of U waves on the electrocardiogram is uncertain. We previously found that U waves could be amplified by isoproterenol infusion. Whether other autonomic interventions modify U-wave amplitude is unknown. Twenty-five healthy subjects underwent graded infusions of esmolol and phenylephrine. Heart rate, T-wave amplitude, U-wave amplitude, and QT and QU intervals were measured using interactive computerized electrocardiogram software. Heart rate decreased with both interventions (P < .001), though to a greater degree with phenylephrine. U-wave amplitude increased by 16.3% during phenylephrine (P < .001) but decreased by 14.5% during esmolol (P < .001). The change in U-wave amplitude was strongly dose-dependent for both phenylephrine (P < .001) and esmolol (P < .001). T-wave amplitude increased with phenylephrine (597-692 μV, P < .001) but decreased with esmolol (632-568 μV, P < .001). QT and QU intervals increased with both interventions (P < .001). We conclude that sympathetic and parasympathetic activities are important determinants of U-wave timing and amplitude.