On an EKG what does baseline wander mean?

Baseline wander on an EKG (electrocardiogram) refers to the slow, undulating movements of the baseline of the tracing, which can obscure the detection of the heart's electrical activity. It is often caused by patient movement, breathing, or poor electrode contact. This artifact can lead to misinterpretation of the heart's rhythm and abnormalities if not recognized and corrected. Proper electrode placement and ensuring the patient remains still can help minimize baseline wander.