Electrocardiology
Over 50 years of research into automated ECG interpretation
The Electrocardiology Section develops the Glasgow Program for automated ECG analysis, provides ECG Core Laboratory services for research studies, and conducts research into electrocardiographic methods. Our work, led by Professor Peter Macfarlane, has been adopted internationally and contributes to clinical guidelines.
Research Focus
Our work spans automated ECG interpretation, clinical trials support, and contributions to international guidelines.
The Glasgow Program
The Glasgow Program is an automated ECG interpretation system based on careful scientific research, with unique approaches to ECG analysis developed over 50 years of continuous development.
- Age and Sex Based Criteria — Extensive use of age and sex-specific reference ranges, valid from birth through adulthood including neonatal ECGs.
- Racial Variation — Race-based diagnostic criteria accounting for documented differences in ECG amplitudes across populations.
- Clinical Context — Optional integration of clinical diagnosis and drug therapy information to improve interpretation accuracy.
- Serial Comparison — Compare ECGs over time to detect evolving changes, critical for monitoring and research studies.
Adopted by Leading Manufacturers
The Glasgow Program is licensed to medical device manufacturers internationally through the University of Glasgow.
Current & Recent Studies
ECG Core Laboratory
The ECG Core Lab provides centralised electrocardiogram processing and interpretation for research studies, with ISO 9001:2015 certification maintained since 2003.
Research & Publications
Our research into automated ECG interpretation has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications and contributions to international guidelines.
Books
Clinical Guidelines
Research from the Electrocardiology Section has contributed to ESC, ACC, and AHA guidelines for acute myocardial infarction diagnosis criteria.