Medical Management – Value of EKG Screenings

“There 110 conditions that can be diagnosed with a 12 lead ECG.”

(ACC/AHA Clinical Competence Statement on Electrocardiography)

“Persistent, minor, nonspecific ST-T abnormalities are associated with increased long-term risk of cardiac related mortality. This information underscores the value of including nonspecific ECG findings in the overall assessment of cardiovascular risk.”

(Journal of the American Medical Association. 1999; 281:530-536)

“The presence of ECG abnormalities should prompt physicians to consider further risk stratification, more intensive therapeutic interventions, or both on modifiable risk factors for primary prevention of cardiovascular events.”

(Circulation 2006; 113; 464-466)

“Among asymptomatic postmenopausal women, ECG abnormalities are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. An abnormal Electrocardiogram in this patient population is associated with a 31% increase of cardiovascular events.”

(Journal of the American Medical Association. 2007; 297:978-985)

“ECG screenings of athletes for cardiomyopathies is a lifesaving strategy. A 12-lead ECG is a sensitive and powerful tool for identification and risk stratification of athletes with cardiomyopathies.”

(European Heart Journal (2005) 26, 516–524)

“ECG abnormalities such as prolonged QT interval can predispose the diabetic patient to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Diabetic neuropathy also can reduce appreciation of ischemic pain, which may delay appropriate medical therapy and lead to death.”

(American Family Physician 2005; 71:2123-8, 2129-30)