Can I upload a 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) for interpretation?

ECG Upload and Interpretation Capability

I cannot accept or interpret uploaded 12-lead ECG images, as I am an AI language model without the capability to view, process, or analyze visual medical data including electrocardiographic tracings.

Why Human Physician Interpretation is Essential

ECG interpretation must be performed by a qualified physician, as computer algorithms—while useful adjuncts—have shown significant error rates and cannot replace clinical judgment. 1

Critical Limitations of Automated Interpretation

• Computer ECG analysis correctly classifies only 0% to 94% of disorders, with arrhythmias being the most problematic diagnosis 1
• Computer analyses should not replace a qualified physician in making patient management decisions 1
• The American Heart Association explicitly states that computer interpretation alone is not recognized as a properly interpreted EKG, and physician review is essential for accurate diagnosis 2
• Even among expert electrocardiographers, interpretation varies greatly, with intra-interpreter reliability showing significant variation 1

Required Qualifications for ECG Interpretation

• Physicians interpreting ECGs should have training in the pathophysiology of electrocardiographic abnormalities and skills to recognize common normal, abnormal, and technical artifact patterns 1
• Residency training in internal medicine with Advanced Cardiac Life Support instruction is considered sufficient for bedside interpretation of resting 12-lead ECGs in routine and emergency situations 1
• Cardiologists perform better than noncardiologists on standardized ECG examinations, particularly when minimal patient history is provided 1
• Continuing medical education through seminars or self-assessment programs is encouraged to keep ECG interpretation skills current, especially for physicians who read ECGs infrequently 2

What You Should Do Instead

Your ECG should be interpreted by a trained physician who can integrate the electrocardiographic findings with your clinical presentation, symptoms, and medical history. 2

Appropriate Clinical Pathways

• Patients with cardiac symptoms including chest pain, dyspnea, palpitation, and syncope should have an ECG performed and interpreted by a physician 3
• In emergency settings with suspected acute coronary syndromes, trained prehospital personnel should obtain at least one 12-lead ECG so electrocardiographic findings can facilitate next steps in management 1
• The ECG must always be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation, as the same finding may have different implications depending on symptoms 2

Common Pitfall to Avoid

• Never rely on computer-generated interpretations printed on ECG tracings without physician verification, as errors in computer interpretation remain common and can lead to diagnostic errors and inappropriate management decisions 2
• Noncardiologists are more influenced by patient history in interpreting ECGs than cardiologists, making clinical context particularly important 2
• Major interpretation errors occur in 4% to 33% of cases, though adverse patient outcomes from these errors are rare (typically less than 1%) 1