Electrocardiogram recordings, while vital diagnostic tools, are susceptible to distortions not originating from the heart’s electrical activity. These non-cardiac signals, known as artifacts, can mimic or obscure genuine cardiac rhythms, leading to misinterpretations. Examples include muscle tremors, power line interference, and loose electrode connections, each manifesting distinct irregularities on the ECG tracing.
Accurate identification and mitigation of these distortions are paramount for reliable cardiac assessment. Failure to recognize artifacts can result in inappropriate clinical decisions, potentially leading to unnecessary interventions or delayed treatment. Historically, understanding and addressing these issues have been integral to refining electrocardiography as a diagnostic practice.
