Interpreting the ECG Results

Interpretation of an ECG is no simple matter.

• There are hundreds of patterns to recognize.



• It may be impossible to tell how long an abnormality has been present.



• This issue becomes crucial in an emergency situation when a person has symptoms consistent with a heart problem and an abnormal ECG.

Some or all of the abnormalities may have been caused by an event long in the past and unrelated to the current situation.

• Some people are even born with ECG abnormalities.



• This can make it difficult to identify which problems require urgent treatment.



• This is the equivalent of examining a car that has been in both a recent car accident and accidents in the past. Which dents were caused by which accident?

For these reasons, if you have either a heart condition or an abnormal ECG, you would be wise to keep a recent copy of your ECG handy in your wallet, purse, or car glove compartment for immediate availability.

• This way you will be able to provide your baseline ECG to a very grateful emergency care provider in case you unexpectedly end up in an emergency department, especially in the middle of the night or far from home.



• A copy of your ECG can be shrunk to credit card size and laminated to be carried in your wallet. If you have an abnormal ECG or you travel a lot, ask your health care provider about doing this for you.