'It is the saddest thing': ECG tests being misinterpreted with tragic consequences

Sly Saint · Sep 26, 2024 at 4:16 PM

ITV Regional News has been told a “concerning” number of patients have died from heart conditions after their test results were misinterpreted by medical professionals.

Clarissa Nicholls, a student at the University of Cambridge, collapsed and died while hiking with a friend in France last year.

She was a keen athlete with a passion for running and hockey.

Her mother, Hilary Nicholls, told ITV News that her daughter was "incredibly sporty", "hugely dynamic" and "had so much energy".

"She was the model of someone who was fit and healthy but she had no idea that there was something wrong.”

The only clue had been the year before her death when she collapsed while playing sport, Nicholls said of her daughter.

She had an ECG to check her heart but the test results were not looked at by a specialist.

This meant a rare heart condition was not picked up and Clarissa did not realise that exercising was actually putting her life at risk.

She died from a cardiac arrest just days before her 21st birthday.
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ITV News approached NHS England who said training for clinical professionals on how to interpret ECGs doesn’t fall within their remit.

In a statement, the Department for Health and Social Care said: “Patient safety is of utmost importance and we expect guidance on assessing electrocardiograms to be followed at all times and for all clinicians reviewing ECGs to have received the appropriate training.

"NHS trusts are responsible for ensuring their staff follow the latest clinical guidance."

It is hoped the interpretation of ECGs could be improved with the development of artificial intelligence. This is currently being looked into at the School of Medical Sciences at City St George’s, University of London.
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'It is the saddest thing': ECG tests being misinterpreted with tragic consequences | ITV News

SNT Gatchaman · Sep 26, 2024 at 9:48 PM

Presumably long QT syndrome.

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'It is the saddest thing': ECG tests being misinterpreted with tragic consequences

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'It is the saddest thing': ECG tests being misinterpreted with tragic consequences

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