What does a q wave mean on a ekg?

Old infarct: A Q wave means an old infarct (a previous heart attack) that resulted in permanent death of a part of the heart muscle. Depending on the location, extent, and other co-morbidities, it may or may not cause new health problems. The Q wave appears because the muscle can no longer transmit electrical signals through the heart. An EKG measures the electrical activity of the heart so that's how it looks.

EKG : The ekg has waves with amplitude and direction. A q wave reflects a lack of electrical force in a certain direction. This lack of force has some correlation when a change in pattern with a loss of muscle as is seen in heart damage like a heart attack.

Depends: Q waves if noted on an EKG can indicate an old heart attack or a normal variant. A hypertrophic cardiomyopthy pt can also have q waves. Clinical correlation is required and testing such as an echocardiogram or stress test is needed.

It depends: Sometimes it can just be a normal variant, sometimes reflects an old heart attack. Your physician can tell you which of the two it is.