[ECG results: tips and tricks for the correct diagnosis : Bradycardia and tachycardia rhythm disorders].

The 12-lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG) is of great importance for the diagnostics of cardiac arrhythmias. For the correct and systematic analysis it has a sensitivity and specificity for the correct diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia or ventricular tachycardia of more than 95%. Nevertheless, the assessment of cardiac rhythm disorders is difficult for many physicians. In this way errors can occur, frequently due to a non-systematic analysis of the ECG; therefore, the aim of this article is to present the techniques and the necessary knowledge for assessment of the most frequent bradycardiac and tachycardiac heart rhythm disorders. Additionally, special features in the analysis of the ECG results in children are discussed.