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Use of the ECG

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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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