Preface

Historial Willelm Eindhoven in Leiden was the first to record an electrocardiogramm (Figure below) in 1903. The subject would immerse each of their limbs into containers of salt solutions from which the ECG was recorded. He assigned the letters P, Q, R, S and T to the various deflections, naming of the waves in the ECG and described the electrocardiographic features of a number of cardiovascular disorders. In 1924, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his discovery.

Though the basic principles of that era are still in use today, there have been many advances in electrocardiography over the years. The instrumentation, for example, has evolved from a cumbersome laboratory apparatus to compact electronic systems that often include computerized interpretation of the electrocardiogram.

With the need to stay as didactic as possible in mind, this eBook covers all aspects of electrocardiography in a detailed and clear fashion. The eBook is aimed at the student who is starting out in electrocardiography, as well as the general practitioner who wishes to improve his or her knowledge and the specialist to use as an aide mémoire.

A large collection of ECG traces allows all readers to practise their ECG interpretation skills and test their level of competence.