Observational StudyCollateral Circulation to LAD and Wellens Sign

Overall Aim Coronary artery disease significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in the United States. Atherosclerotic disease can lead to stenosis of the coronary arteries and subsequent cardiac hypoperfusion. Patients with a critical stenosis of the LAD, potentially leading to acute anterior wall myocardial infarction, may be asymptomatic at presentation with subtle EKG changes as its only manifestation. It is imperative for physicians to recognize patients with new T wave inversions in leads V2-V3 as the standard course of management may lead to poor prognosis.

The purpose of this study is to determine if collateral circulation to the left anterior descending (LAD) artery will mask the presence of a Wellens sign and therefore diminish its diagnostic utility. The conclusion of this study would raise awareness for physicians in light of an absent Wellens sign.

Hypothesis The presence of coronary collateral circulation to the LAD masks the presence of a Wellens sign (both Type 1 and Type 2) in precordial leads V2-V4.