[The electrocardiogram in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome].

The 12-lead ECG remains a simple and noninvasive technique to diagnose myocardial ischemia in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Although the diagnostic accuracy of the ECG depends upon the extent of myocardial ischemia and its severity, the initial ECG is the most rapid and readily available tool for the evaluation of patients presenting with suspected acute myocardial infarction. This paper discussed classic ECG changes which can be seen in acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina. A brief review is also made of the prognostic significance of the various patterns of the ECG in the era of thrombolytic therapy and invasive revascularization.