Interpretation of ECG recordings: part 2

The analysis of irregularities in an electrocardiogram (ECG) recording is one of the basic skills of every doctor. That is why becoming familiar with the principles of appropriate ECG interpretation is critical during training and should be mastered at the initial stages of education. An accurate and timely ECG analysis constitutes one of the key factors that determine the prognosis for a patient. At the first stage of test evaluation, irregularities in the components of an ECG must be analyzed, including the waves and segments on the printout. During evaluation, it must be considered that, under certain conditions, particular irregularities may not be apparent. For example, with atrial fibrillation, P wave deviations in the recording are sometimes not visible. The data contained in the ECG recording provides information about heart defects, conduction disorders in the heart muscle, hypothermia, and acute (e.g., myocardial infarction) or chronic conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation, stable ischemic heart disease). It is important to interpret ECG results in conjunction with the patient’s condition and medical history.