Objective: The objective was to provide a brief history of J wave molecular, ionic, cellular mechanisms, and clinical features. We will clinical research for J wave syndromes. syndromes and to summarize our current understanding of their also discuss the existing debates and further direction in basic and Data Sources: The publications on key words of"J wave syndromes", "early repolarization syndrome (ERS)", "Brugada syndrome (BrS)" and "ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)" were comprehensively reviewed through search of the PubMed literatures without restriction on the publication date. Study Selection: Original articles, reviews and other literatures concerning J wave syndromes, ERS, BrS and STEMI were selected. Results: J wave syndromes were firstly defined by Yah et al. in a Chinese journal a decade ago, which represent a spectrum of variable phenotypes characterized by appearance of prominent electrocardiographic J wave including ERS, BrS and ventricular fibrillation (VF) associated with hypothermia and acute STEMI. J wave syndromes can be inherited or acquired and are mechanistically linked to amplification of the transient outward current (I )-mediated J waves that can lead to phase 2 reentry capable of initiating VF. Conclusions: J wave syndromes are a group of newly highlighted clinical entities that share similar molecular, ionic and cellular mechanism and marked by amplified J wave on the electrocardiogram and a risk of VF. The clinical challenge ahead is to identify the patients with J wave syndromes who are at risk for sudden cardiac death and determine the alternative therapeutic strategies to reduce mortality.
Guo-Liang LiLin YangChang-Cong CuiChao-Feng SunGan-Xin Yan