Early repolarization and its relationship with sudden cardiac death

Early repolarization is an electrocardiographic pattern comprising J point elevation, slurring or notching of the terminal portion of the QRS and ST segment elevation. It has been considered a benign condition for decades. Recently, case reports as well as clinical and basic studies, suggest that early repolarization may have a critical role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation in some individuals. Population studies have shown a significant association between this electrocardiographic pattern and an increased risk of arrhythmic death. This report summarizes current knowledge regarding early repolarization and its relationship with sudden cardiac death.