Use of the ECG
The ECG is not a flawless diagnostic tool. A patient with an organic heart disorder may have an apparently normal trace whereas a perfectly normal individual may show nonspecific abnormalities. ECG findings must be placed within the patient's clinical context.
However, the ECG is undoubtedly of diagnostic worth in :
- atrial and ventricular hypertrophy
- myocardial ischaemia and infarction
- arrhythmias
- pericarditis
- systemic disease that affects the heart
- monitoring the effects of cardiac and non-cardiac drugs
- monitoring disturbances in electrolyte metabolism, especially potassium
- evaluation of electronic pacemaker function
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