Why is the position of the patient important during ECG recording?

The position of the patient during ECG recording is crucial because it directly impacts the quality of the recording. Different positions can lead to variations in the electrical signals the ECG machine picks up from the heart. For instance, an upright position may lead to better electrode contact with the skin, minimizing movement artifacts or interference that can distort the readings. Additionally, certain positions may help reduce muscular tension or respiratory movements that might otherwise be captured as noise in the ECG signal. Ensuring that the patient is in the correct and stable position helps provide accurate and reliable data for diagnosis or monitoring, making it vital to the utility of the ECG as a diagnostic tool.