Correlation between initial potentials on a signal-averaged P-wave and indice of electrophysiologic measurements in the right atrium.

The aim of this study was to determine whether initial potentials of the P-wave on a signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAE) during sinus rhythm reflect indices of electrophysiologic measurements in the high lateral right atrium. A total of 67 patients underwent P-wave signal averaging during electrophysiologic testing. The correlation between root mean square voltages for the initial 10 and 20 msec of the P-wave on the SAE and indices of electrophysiologic measurements, sinus node recovery time (SRT) and sinoatrial conduction time (SACT), obtained from programmed stimuli, was evaluated. It was found that the initial potentials of the P-wave on the SAE correlated negatively with SRT and SACT (-0.37 < or = r < or = -0.30). It was concluded that the initial potentials correlated with indices of electrophysiologic measurements, although the statistical significance was weak.