Indications for recording an electrocardiogram
There are numerous indications for recording an ECG however it is important to understand that the ECG can only directly measure time and voltage; all other information available must be derived or inferred. Research over a number of years has established characteristic patterns and measurements associated with a variety of disease states. However, the sensitivity and specificity of these measurements vary with different pathologies impacting on the ECG’s diagnostic value. In other words, the ECG is useful in some situations such as detecting the presence of a myocardial infarction whilst of limited value in others such as determining the ex- tent of non-viable myocardium. An ECG is indicated …show more content…
renal failure
• monitoring cardiac transplant success or rejection
• adhering to occupational requirements e.g. airline pilots, divers etc.
• epidemiological studies.
There are no absolute contraindications to recording a resting 12-lead ECG in the clinical environment other than in the uncooperative, abusive patient or a pa- tient that refuses to give consent. However in the field ECGs are typically not recorded where privacy and dignity cannot be protected, safety of the patient or practitioner cannot be guaranteed, or it delays transit time to the detriment of over- all patient management. Relative contraindications include trauma and the inability to place electrodes correctly on the chest, extensive skin conditions and burns.
Screening the general population is not currently recommended.
How accurate is the ECG?
It is important to recognise that a 12-lead ECG is never 100 per cent accurate. Inac- curacy can arise from non-modifiable patient factors such as respiration patterns, post prandial state (period after a meal), gender, race and body habitus. It may also arise from modifiable practitioner factors such as incorrect electrode
There are numerous indications for recording an ECG however it is important to understand that the ECG can only directly measure time and voltage; all other information available must be derived or inferred. Research over a number of years has established characteristic patterns and measurements associated with a variety of disease states. However, the sensitivity and specificity of these measurements vary with different pathologies impacting on the ECG’s diagnostic value. In other words, the ECG is useful in some situations such as detecting the presence of a myocardial infarction whilst of limited value in others such as determining the ex- tent of non-viable myocardium. An ECG is indicated …show more content…
renal failure
• monitoring cardiac transplant success or rejection
• adhering to occupational requirements e.g. airline pilots, divers etc.
• epidemiological studies.
There are no absolute contraindications to recording a resting 12-lead ECG in the clinical environment other than in the uncooperative, abusive patient or a pa- tient that refuses to give consent. However in the field ECGs are typically not recorded where privacy and dignity cannot be protected, safety of the patient or practitioner cannot be guaranteed, or it delays transit time to the detriment of over- all patient management. Relative contraindications include trauma and the inability to place electrodes correctly on the chest, extensive skin conditions and burns.
Screening the general population is not currently recommended.
How accurate is the ECG?
It is important to recognise that a 12-lead ECG is never 100 per cent accurate. Inac- curacy can arise from non-modifiable patient factors such as respiration patterns, post prandial state (period after a meal), gender, race and body habitus. It may also arise from modifiable practitioner factors such as incorrect electrode