Which feature on an EKG is commonly associated with right ventricular hypertrophy?

Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) often leads to changes in the electrical conduction and the resultant EKG patterns. One characteristic feature associated with RVH is right axis deviation. This occurs because the increased muscle mass on the right side of the heart alters the direction in which the electrical impulses are conducted and subsequently measured.

In patients with RVH, the heart's normal electrical axis shifts to the right, which can be observed by measuring the QRS axis. A rightward deviation typically indicates that the right ventricle is under increased pressure or has to work harder than normal—conditions that align with RVH. As such, when interpreting the EKG, a right axis deviation can be a strong indicator of the presence of RVH, making it a key feature for diagnosis.

In contrast to this, other features like deep S waves in V1 or tall R waves in V5 can be associated with various other conditions. While prolonged PR interval is also significant in diagnosing different cardiac conditions, it is not a feature linked specifically to RVH. Thus, recognizing right axis deviation is essential for diagnosing right ventricular hypertrophy on an EKG.