The use of electrocardiography as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in coronary artery disease.

The ECG is the most widely used noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic test administered to patients with suspected or proven coronary artery disease. When considering appropriate use of the electrocardiogram, physicians need to examine the clinical question being asked, the additional information that can be derived, whether or not a diagnosis can be established, and application of the information to make appropriate management decisions.