What finding might suggest left ventricular hypertrophy on the EKG?

The presence of amplified R waves in leads V5 and V6 is a significant finding that suggests left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on an EKG. When the left ventricle enlarges or thickens due to increased workload (which can occur in conditions like hypertension or aortic stenosis), the electrical activity associated with it also changes.

In LVH, the muscle mass increases, leading to a greater voltage in the electrical signals that are measured by the EKG. This voltage increase manifests as taller R waves in the left precordial leads, particularly V5 and V6. These leads are positioned to pick up electrical activity most directly related to the left ventricle, so any hypertrophy will often be reflected there.

Other characteristics of LVH may include changes in the ST segment and T waves in various leads, but the amplified R waves specifically in V5 and V6 are among the most direct indicators of the condition. This finding is part of the criteria used by clinicians to assess the possibility of LVH based on the EKG tracing.