The ECG Technician’s Guide to Read Like a Cardiologist: Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Clinical Rhythm Interpretation

Abstract

While electrocardiograms (ECGs) are ultimately an important diagnostic tool for nearly all heart disease, cardiologists and ECG technicians have drastically different capabilities in terms of interpreting ECGs. This review seeks to bridge that gap by providing an organized, clinically-oriented overview of rhythm interpretation for ECG technicians. While enhancing the technician's ability to recognize clinically significant waveforms including P waves, PR intervals, QRS complexes, ST segments, and T waves, the document presents a systematic approach to the recognition of an arrhythmia and other common rhythm abnormalities. The text promotes technicians' role beyond mere technical recording and into their participation for the patient's care by debunking complex topic matters and connecting rhythm disturbances to the specific underlying cardiac and systemic conditions. To facilitate real life learning, there are case studies, common pitfalls, and meticulous recommendations for interpretation provided. The main goal is to give technicians greater confidence, accuracy, and clinical applicability in rhythm interpretation as opposed to replacing the cardiologist's nuanced knowledge. This will inherently improve patient safety, triage, and multidisciplinary communication in all healthcare environments.