Should you purchase a new ECG machine? How portable does the ECG machine need to be? Does the machine need to connect with other equipment? How much does it cost? What will the price of supplies and accessories be? These are primary considerations to look for when making a purchase decision. However, the most important consideration is finding a reliable and affordable ECG machine that fits your needs. Buying an EKG/ECG machine is a major investment. When purchasing an ECG device, you want a machine that works best for you both functionally and financially.
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This guide will help you buy the suitable ECG/EKG machine and let you make the best possible purchase decision!
What is an ECG Machine?
An ECG or EKG machine is medical equipment that tracks, measures, and records the electrical activity of the heart and then displays it electronically or prints it on paper. It’s quite a common test that helps determine heart-related ailments and checks the heart’s health in general.
An electrocardiogram is one of the simplest and painless tests to evaluate heart health. Small plastic patches (electrodes) are placed at different spots on the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes are then connected to an ECG machine by lead wires. Lastly, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out.
There are portable ECG machines capable of carrying from one place to another. Some ECG machines feature computer-aided interpretation of ECG results. Most of them include integrated printers and high-resolution LCD touch screens. Many ECG machines are wearable, making today’s models more portable and compact.
How an ECG Machine works
Your heart beats when an electrical signal is sent from the SA node (sinoatrial node) located in the right atrium of the heart. These electrical impulses act like a natural pacemaker and help the heart maintain a steady pace. The electrical activity originating in the heart is created by the diffusion of calcium, potassium, and sodium ions.
Electrodes or sensors are small sticky patches with wires connected to a monitor. They are attached to certain parts of the body. An electrocardiogram (ECG) machine tracks the path of the electrical signal as it travels throughout the heart. Then the device records the timing and the strength of these signals that move through the heart. The information is then displayed in waves on the monitor or paper.
ECG vs EKG: What’s the difference?
You may have observed that ECG is often spelt as EKG; wondering what the difference between ECG and EKG is? The different spellings make it look as if they are two different machines. However, it’s important to note that ECG and EKG mean precisely the same thing. The difference is how the word “electrocardiogram” is translated. ECG stands for electrocardiogram, while EKG is the German spelling for elektrokardiografi, which is the. Moreover, an ECG or EKG may also be referred to as a 12-lead ECG or a 12-lead EKG.
For what purpose and ECG Machine is Used For?
An ECG (EKG) is a common test that monitors the heart’s electrical activity. A healthcare provider might use an electrocardiogram machine to monitor or detect the following:
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Blocked or narrowed arteries causing chest pain or a heart attack
- Whether you have had a heart attack
You may need an ECG machine if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness or confusion
- Palpitations
- Rapid pulse
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness, fatigue
Types Of ECG Machines
RESTING ECG
This is an effortless, quick, and non-invasive way to detect your cardiac health. When using this type of ECG machine, the patient needs to lie down in a comfortable position. Any voluntary movement of the patient is prohibited because the electrical signals generated by other muscles might mix with that of the heart.
AMBULATORY ECG
These machines detect your heart while you’re doing your normal activities. It is used for people whose symptoms happen periodically. In this type of ECG machine, the portable device is attached to the patient’s waist for a few days. It is also referred to as a Holter monitor.
STRESS/ EXERCISE ECG
This ECG machine monitors cardiac health when the patient exercises, like walking on a treadmill. It checks how well the heart functions during physical activity. Since exercising makes the heart pump harder and faster, the test can diagnose problems with the blood flow.
Key Features To Consider Before Buying An ECG Machine
The ECG machine you will choose will completely depend on the symptoms of heart problems. Therefore, it’s essential to know the objective of deciding on the number of electrodes or the type of ECG machine to purchase etc.
- Check whether the ECG machine is multi-channel or it acquires the standard 12 leads simultaneously. Ideally, the machine should print at least three leads of the ECG waveform continuously.
- You can select the most suitable screen size depending on whether you like compactness or visibility convenience.
- Ensure the internal storage of the machine is enough to store ECG waveforms for retrieval, transmission or printing at a later time.
- It should have an appropriate digital interface to connect with other devices such as computers, LAN, and Wireless connectivity options.
- Should have an audio-visual alarm for heart rates, arrhythmia etc.
The Four Major Components Of An ECG Machine
- Electrodes are classified into two types, bipolar and unipolar. The bipolar electrodes are placed on the wrists and the left leg to determine the voltage differential between the two. On the other hand, unipolar electrodes measure the difference in voltage between a reference electrode and the skin.
- Lead wires pass the electrical signals collected by the electrodes and send them to the amplifier. These connecting wires are attached directly to the electrodes. The signal is then sent through them to the amplifier.
- An amplifier reads the electrical impulses produced by the heart and transmits them to a buffer. The buffer then stabilizes and interprets the signal.
- The output device (graph paper and/or LCD screen) records the results of the electrocardiogram.
Who needs an ECG machine?
Hospitals, clinics, cardiologists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals use ECG machines to diagnose heart problems. The machines detect heart rhythm, diagnose poor blood flow to the heart, and detect heart abnormalities. They also check for abnormal electrical conduction and heart attack.
Final Words: Which type of ECG machine is best for me?
ECG machines vary in size, shape, functionality, and price. Despite the differences, they all are based on the same working principles. The ECG machine monitors the patient’s heart health and helps to diagnose abnormalities. Depending on your specific requirements, they will vary in the type of data they can record, output and monitor.