Final answer:
An ECG can show amplified P waves typical of atrial enlargement seen in mitral stenosis, while also revealing changes suggestive of myocardial infarction. However, it cannot assess the mechanical function of the heart, necessitating additional testing like echocardiography for a complete diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mitral stenosis usually presents with an enlargement of the left atrium, and ECGs can reveal these changes through an amplified P wave. When interpreting an ECG, experienced clinicians can identify these changes and potentially other abnormalities like a myocardial infarction (MI), which can present with altered ST and Q waves often referred to in classifications such as ST-elevated MI (STEMI) and non-ST-elevated MI (non-STEMI). It's important to note that while an ECG can provide valuable information about the heart's electrical activity, it does not show the mechanical function, such as the effectiveness of the heart's pumping action. For this, further testing like echocardiography or cardiac MRI is necessary. Additionally, certain ECG changes require comparison with previous ECGs to detect slight or gradual damage to the heart since individual differences can affect ECG recordings.