Guidelines for judicious use of electrocardiography. A summary of recommendations from the ACC/AHA Task Force Report

Electrocardiography continues to be a cornerstone in the management of an array of cardiac and noncardiac disorders. However, the ease with which an electrocardiogram can be obtained, as well as its low cost, has led to widespread use--and possible overuse--of this technology. A joint committee of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recently published guidelines for appropriate use of electrocardiography in patients with known heart disease; in persons suspected of having, or who are at risk for, heart disease; and in persons with no apparent or suspected cardiac disease. These guidelines can help clinicians determine when, and for which patients in the intensive care unit, an electrocardiogram is warranted.