Benign early repolarization, very prevalent in younger people and healthy male athletes, can be divided into 3 subtypes:[3][4] Research in the late 2000s has linked this finding to ventricular fibrillation, particularly in those who have fainted or have a family history of sudden cardiac death.

[9] On an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), benign early repolarization may produce an elevation of the J-point and ST segment in 2 or more leads, similar to that observed in heart attacks (myocardial infarction).

[13] Studies have shown that higher testosterone levels in males result in an increased outward potassium currents causing J-point elevation.

[15] Benign early repolarization occurs in about 1 to 13 percent of the general population with a significant increase in occurrence within athletes and adolescents.

[14] Early repolarization with ST segment elevation was first described in 1936 by R.A. Shipley and W.R. Hallaran in a study of 200 healthy 20–35 year old people.