THE GENESIS OF THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM

Abstract

The present review concerns itself with the theoretical aspects of the electrocardiogram. Current theories and findings are critically evaluated from the author''s viewpoint. The subject is developed under the following four headings: a. The genesis and typical time course of the electric states of the heart during activity and injury, b. The laws governing the spread of current within a volume conductor, c. The influence exerted by the characteristics of the body as a conductor of electricity, d. The modifications introduced by variations of the anatomy and physiology of the heart. The 385 references constitute essentially the significant literature since 1930.