That is an issue of semantics. Precisely what elements underlie the analysis functions running in your system are not relevant, only the accuracy, precision, and repeatability of results. Using a machine to compare waveforms to known waveforms and select which is most similar most definitely is a form of artificial intelligence, regardless the decade of their inception.

There have been research studies utilizing AI for EKG reads and they outperform cardiology fellows.

Not reliably hence they are not ever used to make determination in medical treatment and as you noted they do not and can not replace the physician read. My point for the thread is that if we are not yet close to being able to use AI for the simple EKG strip, we are nowhere near the point of AI making more complex analysis such as 'is this patient septic' or 'what is the correct intervention given this patient's presentation'.