Diagnostic Electrocardiographic Patterns

The term "diagnostic" includes all types of electrocardiograms which are a distinct help in the establishment of a clinical diagnosis. The diagnosis of the various arrhythmias is chiefly and, sometimes exclusively, dependent upon the electrocardiographic findings. The electrocardiogram is of help [see Figure17, Figure 18 in source pdf] in valvular heart disease, particularly, mitral and aortic valve involvement. Pericarditis produces a characteristic tracing. A large left ventricle and large right ventricle produce characteristic electrocardiograms. Bundle branch block is an electrocardiographic diagnosis. The electrocardiogram is invaluable at times for the diagnosis of the congenital heart lesion; for example, to directly or indirectly confirm right side enlargement, destrocardia, tricuspid atresia, and so on. The electrocardiogram of coronary occlusion is almost pathognomonic.