ECG diagnosis of acute ischaemia and infarction: past, present and future

Extract

Introduction

A century has passed since Einthoven published his description of the human electrocardiogram (ECG), recorded using a string galvanometer. The basic principles of this technique have remained unchanged, and it has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of cardiac pathology. At present, its sensitivity in diagnosing life-threatening myocardial infarction and ischaemia is inferior to that of biochemical markers. However, the ECG monitors cardiac function in real time, while biochemical assays can delay the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and treatments that need to be delivered promptly. We review the historical development of the ECG and its limitations as a diagnostic tool for AMI, and highlight recent research into higher-resolution technologies for real-time cardiac monitoring, and how they may impact on chest pain management. Many distinguished scientists and clinicians have devoted their life's work to the use and understanding of the technique. This short review will merely highlight some of the more important contributions.