[Electrocardiography by the neonatologist]

An electrocardiogram is a simple, non-invasive and inexpensive test, whose knowledge and interpretation should be an essential skill for neonatologists. It is a basic, easy and handy tool, very useful for the right approach to the child with suspected heart disease. The test provides important information on the heart rhythm and is essential to diagnose and therefore treat arrhythmic problems. It gives also information on the ventricular dimensions and volume and/or pressure overload of one or both ventricles. In case of malformative pathologies, the test enables to suspect the type of malformation. The aim of this report is to explain a normal electrocardiogram in a practical and simple way, through the definition of the necessary basic criteria to detect heart rate and rhythm, electrical axis of QRS complex, normal wave morphology in all leads and atrioventricular conduction (PR interval). Some basic information will also be provided on how to recognize a pathological electrocardiogram and heart rhythm disorders. Then we will use interactive methods to discuss some tracings through which it will be possible to reach a diagnostic orientation.