[Electrocardiography in the detection and prevention of asymptomatic coronary heart disease]

This article presents relevant scientific facts about the role of ECG as a screening test in detection and prevention of asymptomatic coronary artery disease. The article represents an analytic study of great number of scientific publications from this area; only the most significant articles were used as references which can be used both as a confirmation of the statements in the article and as an initial guideline for those who are interested in more in-depth analysis of this problem. According to the conclusions of the majority of authors, ECG does not have great practical or medical value as a screening test for asymptomatic coronary artery disease because, with its application, reductions in morbidity and mortality were proven to be insignificant. ECG exercise testing is more sensitive and provides better practical results, but considering the costs and difficulties in interpretation (false positive and false negative results), its use remains confined to high-risk populations.