What is a common cause for somatic tremor artifacts in an EKG tracing?

Somatic tremor artifacts in an EKG tracing are typically caused by involuntary muscle movements, which can occur in various medical conditions, including Parkinson's disease. These tremors can create irregularities in the electrical signals picked up by the electrodes, resulting in artifacts that obscure the true cardiac activity.

In patients with conditions characterized by tremors, the neurological or muscular activity can produce similar waveforms that interfere with the EKG reading. This leads to distorted baseline activity, making it difficult to accurately assess the patient's heart rhythm and rate. Recognizing that muscle contractions from somatic sources, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases, can mimic or mask the electrical signals of the heart is crucial in interpreting EKGs correctly.

The other choices involve factors that may contribute to abnormal EKG readings but are less directly related to the type of artifacts specifically classified as somatic tremors. Understanding the origin of these artifacts is essential for accurate EKG interpretation and effective patient care.