Right atrial enlargement (RAE)
Also calledRAE · right atrial abnormality · RAA
Definition
Right atrial enlargement (right atrial abnormality) is an ECG pattern of increased right atrial depolarization voltage that raises the amplitude of the early (initial) part of the P wave, usually without prolonging total P-wave duration, because the right atrium is activated before the left. Criteria: a tall, often peaked P wave greater than 2.5 mm (0.25 mV) in lead II (P pulmonale), and/or an initial positive P deflection in V1 or V2 of 1.5 mm (0.15 mV) or more.
Source
- Hancock EW, Deal BJ, Mirvis DM, et al. AHA/ACCF/HRS recommendations for the standardization and interpretation of the electrocardiogram: part V: electrocardiogram changes associated with cardiac chamber hypertrophy. Circulation. 2009;119(10):e251-e261. doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.191097
Last reviewed 2 October 2026. Every definition in the EKG Dictionary cites the guideline, consensus statement or original paper it comes from.