Långvågighet

Långvågighet refers to a phenomenon primarily observed in electrocardiograms (ECGs) and electroencephalograms (EEGs) that describes the presence of slow-moving, low-frequency electrical activity. In ECGs, långvågighet can indicate various cardiac conditions, such as bradycardia (slow heart rate) or certain types of heart block, where the electrical impulses are delayed or take longer than normal to propagate through the heart. This manifests as prolonged intervals between heartbeats or widened QRS complexes on the ECG tracing.

In EEG recordings, långvågighet is characterized by the appearance of slow waves, typically in the delta (0.5-4 Hz) or theta (4-8 Hz) frequency bands. The presence and distribution of these slow waves can be indicative of neurological dysfunction. For instance, generalized långvågighet may suggest diffuse brain impairment, such as that seen in metabolic encephalopathy or deep sleep. Focal långvågighet, localized to a specific area of the brain, can point towards structural lesions like tumors, strokes, or areas of inflammation or injury. The interpretation of långvågighet in both ECGs and EEGs requires careful consideration of the clinical context and other accompanying electrical findings. It is a descriptive term for a temporal characteristic of electrical signals rather than a specific diagnosis in itself.