In conclusion, the ability to interpret the body surface electrocardiogram correctly depends on multiple factors. Most notable among them are the following:
- Understanding that the body surface electrocardiogram merely records the uncancelled voltage changes generated by the sequential depolarization and repolarization of myocardial fibers.
- Appreciating the cellular electrophysiologic factors responsible for the depolarization and repolarization of the myocardial fibers.
- Knowledge of the electrophysiologic and electrocardiographic changes associated with the various physiologic, pharmacologic and pathologic events to which the heart is exposed
- Recognizing that many electrocardiographic abnormalities may be non-specific and capable of being induced by a variety of these physiologic, pharmacologic and pathologic events.
- Correlating the electrocardiogram to the clinical setting in which it was recorded ,
It is most important to reiterate that the ECG not be read in isolation. Rather the ECG reader should constantly attempt to correlate the electrocardiographic findings to the clinical status of the patient and to the clinical setting in which it was recorded.