Final answer:
An irregular baseline on the ECG can be caused by issues such as broken lead wires, poor electrical contact, or loose electrodes. A 12-lead ECG provides detailed information about the heart's function, including the detection of damaged tissue, and can be portable for continuous monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
An irregular baseline on the ECG paper can be identified by bizarre, irregular deflections of the baseline, which may be caused by several issues including a broken lead wire, poor electrical contact, or a loose electrode. These artifacts can be mistaken for actual heartbeats or other significant features on an ECG if not correctly identified and addressed. The electrocardiogram (ECG), which can be abbreviated as EKG, is an indispensable clinical tool that records the heart's electrical activity through carefully placed surface electrodes on the body. State-of-the-art ECG technology uses a 12-lead setup, which provides detailed information about heart function, including damaged heart tissue or infarcts. Such technology has even advanced to include portable ECG monitors which can be incorporated into wearable devices for continuous monitoring.