What is the significance of the T-wave in an ECG?

The significance of the T-wave in an ECG is that it represents ventricular repolarization. This phase is crucial because, during it, the ventricles recover from the initial depolarization that occurs during the QRS complex, which represents ventricular contraction. The T-wave indicates the transition from a state of contraction back to a resting state, allowing the heart muscle to recharge and prepare for the next heartbeat.

When analyzing heart rhythms or diagnosing cardiac conditions, abnormal T-wave forms can provide insights into the heart's electrical activity. For example, alterations in the T-wave can suggest issues like electrolyte imbalances or conditions such as myocardial ischemia, but the primary role of the T-wave itself is to represent this essential aspect of the cardiac cycle—ventricular repolarization.

Understanding this function is imperative for interpreting ECGs accurately and recognizing underlying cardiac diseases.