T-wave alternans and beat-to-beat variability of repolarization: pathophysiological backgrounds and clinical relevance.

ABSTRACT

In this review, we focus on temporal variability of cardiac repolarization. This phenomenon has been related to a higher risk for ventricular arrhythmia and is therefore interesting as a marker of sudden cardiac death risk. We review two non-invasive clinical techniques quantifying repolarization variability T-wave alternans (TWA) and beat-to-beat variability of repolarization (BVR). We discuss their pathophysiological link with ventricular arrhythmia and the current clinical relevance of these techniques.