title: The signal averaged electrocardiogram: a practical primer.
abstract: Sudden cardiac death unfortunately continues to be a relatively common clinical problem despite recent advances in anti-arrhythmic medications, cardiac surgery and angioplasty. A non-invasive screening test capable of identifying specific patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death is needed. A technique using sophisticated electronic signal filtration and computerized signal enhancement permits analysis of the electrocardiogram for evidence of ventricular conduction delay, which may serve as a matrix for sustained ventricular tachycardia. This procedure, termed the signal averaged electrocardiogram, is reviewed. Its use in context with the left ventricular ejection fraction, Holter monitoring and exercise testing also is examined.
authors.affiliation: Nasser, Smith and Pinkerton Cardiology, Inc., Indianapolis.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Slack
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Branyas
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Weiler
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003645:Death, Sudden; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted