The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the oldest
diagnostic tools and remains highly informative. To date,
there has been no good substitute for it. The information
on the ECG provides indirect information about the presence
and type of underlying structural heart disease. It also
provides us with information about disturbances in heart
rate and rhythm.
Typically, there are twelve electrodes providing twelve
different 'views' of the heart from the standpoint of
electrical activation. Thus, a given electrical event can
be seen to occur from twelve different viewpoints.
Please click name, for information regarding the following
diagnostic tests.