What is an ECG tracing that results from interference rather than the heart's electrical activity known as?

An ECG tracing that results from interference rather than the heart's electrical activity is referred to as artifact. This term encompasses any distortion in the ECG signals caused by extraneous factors, such as movement, poor electrode contact, or interference from electronic devices. These artifacts can obscure or mimic actual cardiac events, making accurate interpretation challenging, which is why it is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize and differentiate them from genuine heart activity.

In contrast, arrhythmia pertains to irregular heart rhythms that originate from the heart itself. Defibrillation refers to the process of delivering an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm during certain types of cardiac emergencies. Electrode placement error can lead to misinterpretation of ECG results, but the term artifact specifically highlights the interference that distorts the tracing, regardless of the source. Understanding these distinctions is vital for interpreting ECG results accurately.