Precordial concordance

Precordial Concordance

Precordial concordance (pronunciation: pre-kor-di-al kon-kor-dans) is a term used in cardiology to describe a specific pattern seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Etymology

The term is derived from the Latin words pre meaning "before" and cordis meaning "heart", and the English word concordance which means agreement or harmony. In this context, it refers to the agreement or harmony of electrical signals in the heart as seen on an ECG.

Definition

Precordial concordance is a pattern on an ECG where all the QRS complexes in the precordial leads (V1-V6) are either all positive (positive concordance) or all negative (negative concordance). This pattern is often associated with certain types of arrhythmias.

Clinical Significance

Positive precordial concordance can be seen in conditions such as ventricular tachycardia, while negative precordial concordance can be seen in conditions like pulmonary embolism or right ventricular hypertrophy. It is important for clinicians to recognize these patterns as they can provide clues to the underlying cardiac condition.

Related Terms

Electrocardiogram: A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.
QRS complex: The combination of three of the graphical deflections seen on a typical ECG.
Cardiac arrhythmia: A group of conditions in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow.
Ventricular tachycardia: A type of regular, fast heart rate that arises from improper electrical activity in the ventricles of the heart.
Pulmonary embolism: A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs.
Right ventricular hypertrophy: Enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart.