Introduction

Abstract

This book is concerned with the use of the electrocardiogram in clinical medicine. Before we begin, a word of warning! The electrocardiogram like any other diagnostic test must be taken together with all other information and not looked at in isolation. A patient with heart disease may have a normal electrocardiogram. Probably of greater importance is the normal patient who has an unusual electrocardiogram. The doctor inexperienced in the interpretation of the electrocardiogram does not realize the wide range of electrocardiograms which may be normal. A diagnosis should rarely, if ever, be made solely on the strength of ‘abnormal electrocardiogram’.