Repolarization alternans (RPA) predicts arrhythmic events following myocardial infarction

In a study of 102 patients with a prior myocardial infarction (MI) followed for 13 months, the event-free survival was significantly higher in those without repolarization alternans (RPA negative) compared to those with repolarization alternans (RPA positive). The sensitivity and negative predictive value of RPA for predicting an arrhythmic event were 93 and 98 percent, respectively, but the positive predictive value was only 28 percent.