What is referred to as non-cardiac interference on an EKG?

Non-cardiac interference on an EKG is referred to as artifact, which encompasses any extraneous noise or distortion that is not a result of the heart's electrical activity. Artifacts can arise from various sources such as patient movement, poor electrode contact, electrical interference from other devices, or even muscle contractions. These interferences can obscure the true representation of the heart's rhythm and activity, leading to misinterpretation of the EKG readings.

This distinction is crucial for medical professionals because accurately differentiating between actual cardiac events and non-cardiac noise is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing artifacts allows medical personnel to assess the EKG correctly and take appropriate actions to ensure the integrity of the data being analyzed.