Reviewer: Andre C. Olivier, M.D., R.R.T.(Ochsner Clinic Foundation)

Description: This update of a comprehensive manual for ECG interpretation now includes a chapter on artificial cardiac pacemakers. The previous edition was published in 2001.

Purpose: This book serves to provide a basic understanding of the rules governing ECG interpretation as well as to provide insight into the cardiac physiology responsible for normal and abnormal ECG tracings. The author purposely emphasizes a simplistic approach to everyday ECG interpretation rather than focusing on the complexities of rare findings.

Audience: For over 50 years, this has been a must have book for medical students, residents, and fellows in training.

Features: After a thorough introduction to the normal ECG, each chapter focuses on various etiologies of ECG derangements. Chapters are well equipped with easy to understand graphics and illustration, numerous ECG tracings to support the text, and a comprehensive glossary of terms. Each chapter succeeds in being a standalone lesson for quick review. The CD-ROM that comes with the book adds little with its weak and not-so-helpful animations of cardiac electrical conduction.

Assessment: This book is beneficial for those interested in attaining ECG interpretation skills.

Doody's Review Service