Factors affecting the sensitivity of computerized ECG analysis in identifying previous myocardial infarction

We investigated to what extent the ECG sensitivity in identifying previous myocardial infarctions (MI) is affected by the clinical/epidemiological criteria having been used in the acute MI stage. The sensitivity was determined analyzing the 12 lead resting ECGs during a follow-up of 432 long-term survivors who suffered three to 13 years ago from MI. The ECG analysis in the follow-up was performed using the Hannover ECG program. The sensitivity values determined ranged from 61.3% up to 88.4% depending on the criteria used for case selection.