Paediatric ECGs made easy

What is the perfect paediatric investigation? Whilst there is no such thing a good paediatric investigation should be non-invasive, non-threatening to the child and family and fruitful in terms of information yielded. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is all of these and more. For a non-invasive test the ECG can deliver great rewards to those prepared to invest in its secrets. It holds the potential of distinguishing normal from abnormal in the investigation of common presentations such as heart murmurs and palpitations. In more acute situations, correct interpretation offers a keen understanding of disturbances of rhythm and conduction. This article examines the utility of this modest but potent tool.