Delta waves on an ECG typically indicate which condition?

Delta waves on an ECG are characteristic of Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, which is a congenital condition involving an accessory pathway that can lead to episodes of rapid heart rates or arrhythmias. In this syndrome, the presence of the accessory pathway allows electrical signals to bypass the normal conduction system, and when seen on an ECG, the delta wave appears as a slurred upstroke in the QRS complex. This finding indicates early depolarization of the ventricles due to the abnormal conduction from the accessory pathway.

Understanding the significance of delta waves helps healthcare professionals identify and appropriately manage patients at risk for arrhythmias associated with this condition. The presence of delta waves is specifically indicative of the abnormal conduction pattern seen in Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome rather than in the other listed conditions, which have distinct ECG characteristics.