What EKG finding is typically associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle, particularly affecting the ventricular septum and the left ventricle. One of the hallmark findings on an electrocardiogram (EKG) in patients with this condition is the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). This occurs as the heart muscle adapts to the increased workload due to the hypertrophy, which can be reflected in the EKG through various criteria, such as increased voltage in the QRS complexes, changes in the repolarization phase, or deepening of the S-waves in specific leads.

In addition to LVH, other findings can suggest impaired diastolic filling and may be present in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The identification of LVH on an EKG can provide useful diagnostic information and is an important consideration during the evaluation of a patient with suspected hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.