Low Voltage - ECG

Low voltage is defined as peak-to-peak QRS amplitude of < 5 mm in the limb leads and/or < 10 mm in the precordial leads.

Low voltage may be present in the following situations:

1. Obesity
2. COPD
3. Pericardial effusion
4. Severe hypothyroidism
5. Subcutaneous emphysema
6. Massive myocardial damage/infarction
7. Infiltrative/restrictive diseases (such as amyloid cardiomyopathy)

Note: If the gain indicated at the left of the ECG is turned down accidentally, the voltage will be falsely low (pseudo-low voltage). The indicator should be set to 10 mm amplitude.

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ECG Examples:

Low Voltage Example 1

Low Voltage Example 2

Low Voltage Example 3

Low Voltage Example 4