Aplicación práctica de la lectura computarizada del electrocardiograma

The electrocardiogram (ECG) continues to be the initial and essential complementary examinations in the patient with high blood pressure. It is especially relevant in the diagnosis of hypertensive heart disease in all its varieties, such as left ventricle hypertrophy, ischemic heart disease and rhythm disorders. Although the ECG is a daily routine in the study of the patient with high blood pressure, it is still a matter of concern for most doctors. This is the reason why different computer programs have been developed to be adapted to the electrocardiographic monitors in order to help the doctor interpret the results. The results and accuracy of the different programs has been shown to be quite acceptable, often with an accuracy equals to that of the lecture made by experts. The computerization of the ECG is very interesting when, as occurs in many cases, there is no expert on ECG available, because it decreases the work load, reduces variability between different observers, and what is more important, helps to make the diagnostic accuracy higher. It has become very useful in the application of the new ECG criteria in the last years especially when it comes to left ventricle hypertrophy. This is the reason why ECG computerization becomes a major tool with great present and future potential, because it not only has the advantages from its application to the daily practice, but can supply new information of great importance in the prognosis and treatment of the patient with a high blood pressure in the research field.