What may a biphasic T wave suggest in an EKG reading?

A biphasic T wave can indicate myocardial ischemia or electrolyte imbalances as it reflects changes in the heart’s repolarization phase. When interpreting an EKG, a biphasic T wave suggests that there are alterations in the heart muscle's electrical activity, which can be indicative of ischemic conditions where the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen. This type of T wave may also arise from imbalances in electrolytes such as potassium or calcium, which are crucial for normal heart function.

Normal heart function typically presents with a standardized, uniphasic T wave. Elevated cholesterol levels and increased lung capacity are not directly linked to the waveform characteristics observed in EKG readings and therefore would not account for the presence of a biphasic T wave. Thus, the significance of the biphasic T wave leading to concerns about ischemia or electrolyte disturbances is critical in the context of the overall diagnosis and management of heart conditions.