Certain toxins and drugs can have profound effects on the heart, leading to arrhythmias, conduction disturbances, and other cardiac issues. An ECG provides a quick and effective way to identify these abnormalities, which can be critical for timely intervention and treatment. For example, substances like tricyclic antidepressants, cocaine, and organophosphates can lead to specific ECG changes that help in diagnosing the type and extent of poisoning.