A review of computer ECG analysis: time to evaluate and standardize

The use of computers for the interpretation of the resting electrocardiogram (ECG) is critically reviewed. After a short description of the motives for the application of computers in this field, the processes that are sequentially executed in an ECG data processing system are critically analyzed, i.e., the acquisition and transmission of signals; the wave recognition and measurement phase; the parameter extraction, rhythm analysis, and classification phases; and, finally, the reporting of results as well as serial comparison. Emphasis is given on the evaluation and standardization of measurement and interpretation results of various ECG computer programs, based on the experience of the author as project leader of the International Cooperative Project "Common Standards for Quantitative Electrocardiography" (CSE). An extensive list of references is provided.