Non-specific T-wave Abnormalities

Posted By Dee on March 23, 1999 at 09:34:37:







Hi Dr.,
I heard on the local news last night about a study that was done that concluded non-specific t-wave abnormalities may be more of an indicator of a problem than previously thought.
It stated that men with non-specific t-wave abnormalities are 2 1/2 times more likely to die of a heart related problem.  If you've heard of anything about this finding, can you point me to the statistical results of the study?  I don't always believe what I hear in the local news, actually most of the time they inflate, so I would like to research myself.
I've had non-specific t-wave abnormalities on my resting EKG/Stress Test (treadmill) and 24-Holter for 12 years without any problems and wonder what the relevance of this abnormality is.  The cardio. always just signs my EKG abnormal and has never discussed the issue with me, which is an indicator to me that it is nothing.  I'm not worried about it because it is something that is out of my control (I think).  Plus, it has been there for 12 years, why worry now.  I focus my attention on better things.  So, my questions are:
1.  Can you point me in the direction of the statistical results?
2.  Is this finding ditto for women?
3.  What does non-specific t-wave abnormalities mean anyway?  Obviously by their name "non-specific", it isn't targeted, but in a general sense.  On my 24-hour Holter, I've had symptoms of dizziness that have been interpreted as "related to non-specific t-wave changes (or something like that)".  Other than that, they are just words on my various test results.
4.  Are non-specific t-wave abnormalities congenital or something that is developed?  If developed, what causes it?
Thanks for your time answering all my questions and have a great day!
Dee