P pulmonale

Tall, narrow, peaked P waves in electrocardiographic leads II, III, and aVF, and often a prominent initial positive P wave component in V₁, presumed to be characteristic of cor pulmonale. (Although this term is extensively used in the electrocardiographic literature, it is actually a misnomer and would be more appropriately called P-dextrocardiale, since it results from overload of the right atrium regardless of the cause, as in tricuspid stenosis, and may occur independently of cor pulmonale.) In lung disease, P-pulmonale is usually transient, occurring during exacerbations, usually asthmatic.

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P pul·mo·nale (pe pul″mo-naґle) in electrocardiography, a pattern of tall, peaked P waves in leads II, III, and aV_F, indicative of enlargement of the right atrium; it is often associated with pulmonary disease.

P pulmonale. Tall P waves (arrow) are seen in leads II, III, aV_F, and V₁ in a patient with chronic lung disease.