Prognostic implications of quantitative evaluation of baseline Q-wave width in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Objectives To evaluate quantitative relationships between baseline Q-wave width and 90-day outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background Baseline Q-waves are useful in predicting clinical outcomes after MI. Methods 3589 STEMI patients were assessed from a multi-centre study. Results 1156 patients of the overall cohort had pathologic Q-waves. The 90-day mortality and the composite of mortality, congestive heart failure (CHF), or cardiogenic shock (p  Conclusions The width of the baseline Q-wave in STEMI adds prognostic value in predicting 90-day clinical outcomes. A threshold of ≥ 40 ms in inferior and ≥ 20 ms for lateral/apical MI enhances prognostic insight beyond current criteria.