Electrocardiography plays an important part in the diagnosis and investigation of all forms of heart disease. Its main value lies in the elucidation of cardiac arrhythmias and conduction defects and in the information which it provides about the state of the myocardium. Electrocardiography has achieved a high degree of accuracy in the diagnosis and location of myocardial infarction and is of particular value in cases of unexplained chest pain or collapse. A normal electrocardiogram (ECG) will go far to refute a diagnosis of myocardial infarction, but it must be realized that in some cases the Electrocardiography changes of infarction are slow to develop and accordingly a series of electrocardiograms is indicated in doubtful cases. In cases of minor or intramural infarction the electrocardiogram may be normal. Electrocardiograms must always be interpreted in the light of the entire clinical picture. For instance, digitalis and guanidine, myxoedema, and certain electrolyte disturbances cause Electrocardiography changes which may easily be misinterpreted.
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