[How to manage all those ECGs? Experiences with computer-based storage and interpretation of electrocardiograms in the county of Vastmanland].
We describe our experience using a database (Sicare, Siemens Elema) containing 381,000 ECGs covering 90% of all ECGs during 11 years in the county of Västmanland, Sweden, with 260,000 inhabitants. The database expedites rapid recovery of earlier ECGs. For instance, in patients admitted to coronary care with chest pain and ST-elevation, speedy access to an earlier ECG with identical ST-elevation may be crucial for avoiding unnecessary and potentially harmful thrombolysis. The database also enables us to select ECGs with a specific diagnosis, for instance atrial fibrillation. This facilitates characterization and quality control of treatment of atrial fibrillation in a well-defined population.
Nilsson
G
G
Hjärtsektionen, medicinkliniken, Centrallasarettet, Västerås. goran.nilsson@ltvastmanland.se
Walker
A
A
Jonason
T
T
Ringqvist
I
I
D001109:Archives; D003325:Coronary Care Units; D019992:Databases as Topic; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000639:trends; D010343:Patient Admission; D013548:Sweden