Artifactual electrocardiographic change mimicking clinical abnormality on the ECG

Electrocardiographic artifact is a common finding in patients requiring eva luation and monitoring in the prehospital, emergency department, or intensi ve care unit settings. Artifact results from both internal (physiological) and external (nonphysiological) sources. In most instances, artifact is rec ognized as an incorrect electrocardiographic signal-its only impact produci ng interference in electrocardiogram interpretation; artifact may also prod uce electrocardiographic signals which mimick disease-these signals the phy sician must recognize as artifact.(Am J Emerg Med 2000;18:312-316. Copyrigh t (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company).