Electrocardiology Section
The Electrocardiology Section has over 50 years of history, beginning as Computer Assisted Reporting of Electrocardiograms (CARE) research and building on a rich tradition of cardiac medicine at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Research Focus
The Section’s work spans two main areas: research into automated ECG diagnosis techniques (the Glasgow Program) and ECG Core Laboratory services for clinical trials. Both maintain ISO 9001:2015 certification.
- Automated ECG diagnosis techniques
- ECG Core Laboratory services
- Research and epidemiological studies
Quality management systems certification (UKAS accredited)
Certified since 2003
Medical electrical equipment safety requirements for ECG analysis
Requirements for electrocardiographs
Leadership
Professor Peter Macfarlane
CBE, DSc, PhD, FRSE
Emeritus Professor & Honorary Senior Research Fellow
Professor Macfarlane is Emeritus Professor and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow. He served as Professor in Medical Cardiology (1991–1995) and Professor of Electrocardiology (1995–2010). His career has focused on applying computer techniques to ECG interpretation, and the Glasgow Program developed in his laboratory is now used worldwide. His research into ECG variations by age, gender, and ethnicity has influenced international guidelines for the ECG definition of acute myocardial infarction. He established the ECG Core Laboratory supporting national and international clinical trials and epidemiological studies. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and other learned societies, he has served as Treasurer of the International Society of Electrocardiology since its founding in 1983 and was President from 2007–2009.
Honours & Recognition
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE, 2014) for Services to Healthcare
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE)
- DSc (2000) for research contributions to electrocardiology
- Rijlant International Prize in Electrocardiology (1998), Belgian Royal Academy of Medicine
History
From early cardiology research at Glasgow Royal Infirmary to international adoption of the Glasgow Program.
Cardiology at GRI
Dr Joseph Wright leads cardiology research at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, studying 400 patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and collaborating on the development of open-heart surgery. As President of the Royal Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons (1960-62), he achieves its promotion to Royal College.
CARE Research Begins
Work on Computer Assisted Reporting of Electrocardiograms (CARE) commences at the University of Glasgow under Peter Macfarlane, laying the foundation for automated ECG interpretation.
University Department of Medical Cardiology
The Walton family donates to the British Heart Foundation to endow the Walton Chair of Medical Cardiology. Professor T.D.V. Lawrie becomes the first holder, establishing Ward 7 as a Coronary Care Unit.
Algorithm Development
Scottish government funding enables expansion. Core mathematical equations and rule-based logic established. Ian Hutton develops radio-isotope techniques for non-invasive myocardial perfusion assessment.
First Commercial Partnership
University partners with Siemens (now Draeger) to make the technology available for hospital use, marking the beginning of widespread clinical adoption.
Paediatric Capabilities
Paediatric ECG database of 1,750 healthy children established. Algorithm extended to analyse ECGs from birth through adulthood.
International Adoption
Program adopted by multiple manufacturers including Spacelabs, establishing the Glasgow Program as an international standard. Professor Stuart Cobbe co-initiates the landmark West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study (WOSCOPS).
International Recognition
Professor Macfarlane awarded the Rijlant International Prize in Electrocardiology by the Belgian Royal Academy of Medicine.
Academic Honours
Professor Macfarlane awarded DSc for research contributions to electrocardiology.
ISO Certification
ECG Core Lab achieves ISO 9001 certification, assessed annually since. Quality standards maintained for clinical trials support.
International Leadership
Professor Macfarlane serves as President of the Board of Computing in Cardiology, shaping the field internationally.
CBE Awarded
Professor Macfarlane receives Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for Services to Healthcare.
Continued Research
Over 20 million ECGs interpreted annually using the Glasgow Program. Active clinical trials research including COVID-HEART and CISCO-19 studies. Ongoing refinement of diagnostic algorithms.