R waves (height of R waves on ECG)

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • generally tall R waves are a sign of left ventricular hypertrophy (R wave greater than 25mm in V5, V6) - note however that, in order to be confident about the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy, there should also be inversion of the T wave in these leads

  • tall wave are common in young, thin people and athletes

Reference:

  • Hampton J. Update (8/7/99), 79-82