What does the term "artifact" refer to in an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

The term "artifact" in the context of an electrocardiogram (ECG) refers to electrical interference or distortions that can obscure the true cardiac signal, making it challenging to interpret the results accurately. Artifacts can arise from various external sources, such as muscle movements, electrical equipment, or poor skin-electrode contact, which can lead to misleading traces on the ECG.

The identification of artifacts is crucial because they can mimic or mask genuine cardiac abnormalities, thereby complicating diagnosis. By recognizing and distinguishing these artifacts from actual cardiac events, healthcare providers can ensure that the patient's condition is accurately assessed, leading to appropriate management and treatment.

In contrast, significant abnormalities indicated by a paramedic or the complete absence of electrical activity pertain more to actual electrical activity of the heart rather than interference. Similarly, improper lead placement, while potentially leading to misdiagnosis, is not classified as an artifact in the context of interference but rather as a technical error that may produce a misleading ECG reading.