Basics of Electrocardiogram

Description

Since the introduction of electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring  in hospital units 40 years ago, the goals of monitoring have expanded from simple tracking of heart rate and basic rhythm to the diagnosis of complex arrhythmias, the detection of myocardial ischemia, and the identification of a prolonged QT interval. During the same 4 decades, major improvements have occurred in cardiac monitoring systems, including computerized arrhythmia detection algorithms, STsegment/ ischemia monitoring software, improved  noise reduction strategies, multilead  monitoring, and reduced  lead sets for monitoring derived 12-lead ECGs with a minimal number of electrodes. Monitoring electrocardiogram in the perioperative period is among the foremost recommended standards. A good knowledge on the basics with attention to technical details goes a long way towards dedicated patient care by the anaesthesiologist.