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Description Of The Electrocardiogram ( Ecg )

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1. Introduction
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most widely used tools for non-invasively assessing the cardiac state of a subject. It is used internationally for the early detection of acute myocardial infarction and arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation [1]. Due to the high mortality rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) it is of paramount importance to optimise the use of the ECG as it detects the presence of CVD. The World Health Organisation estimates this disease will kill approximately 17 million people per year [2]. Currently, the ECG is normally represented on a paper printout, which is then interpreted by human observers. Given the prevalence of mobile devices in medicine it is becoming apparent that the ECG will be interpreted using such devices in the near future [3]. Clinical interpretation of the ECG has yet to be routinely supported using mobile decision support algorithms. With this in mind an initial literature review has been carried out to identify potential research questions, gaps and hypotheses.
2. Overview of Key Research Areas
Identified within the initial literature review are a number of key research themes including 1) mobile based clinical training of ECG interpretation, 2) telemedicine, 3) ECG signal visualisation and processing on mobile devices and 4) mobile ECG diagnostic training systems.
2.1 Electrocardiography
2.1.1 Electrical conduction system of the heart
Electrical activity within the heart causes its to contract. This

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