Dangers in interpreting the electrocardiogram from the oscilloscope monitor.

Abstract

The electronic circuitry associated with the electrocardiographic oscillosope monitor produces artifacts which interfere with correct interpretation of the electrocardiogram. Filters introduced to eliminate artifacts due to motion and noise may further distort the tracing. The QRS complex may be widened, the normal RT segment may become abnormally elevated or depressed, and artifacts due to motion may mimic various arrhythmias. An abnormality detected on the oscilloscopic screen must be checked by a conventional ECG tracing taken directly from the patient, not through the monitor.