Limitations of the smartphone based single ECG-lead evaluation of STEMI

Potential applications for smartphone based electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis are currently being explored. Previous research has predominantly focused on the feasibility of smartphone based single ECG-lead rhythm evaluation. More recently, there has also been interest in the utility of smartphone based single ECG-lead measurements for the evaluation of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A recent study reported “excellent concordance” between “12-lead equivalent ECGs” that were recorded using smartphone technology and the standard 12-lead ECG. The “12-lead equivalent ECGs” were assembled using sequentially recorded single ECG-leads. This was performed using standard limb leads and modified precordial leads (recorded in reference to the right arm potential or the left arm potential). Our research details an assessment of the differences in the ST elevation between standard precordial leads and the modified precordial leads.