What can happen if EKG interpretation is inaccurate?

Inaccurate EKG interpretation can lead to delayed treatment or misdiagnosis, which poses significant risks to patient safety. When an EKG, which records the electrical activity of the heart, is misread or incorrectly interpreted, critical cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, ischemia, or myocardial infarction may go unnoticed or be misidentified. This can result in patients not receiving timely medical interventions they urgently need, potentially leading to worsening health issues or complications that could have been prevented with accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Therefore, accurate EKG interpretation is crucial in ensuring appropriate patient care and outcomes.