Read about the latest news on ECG / EKG Machines

Because most heart attacks occur somewhere other than a hospital setting, emergency medical treatment is a crucial element in saving lives. For this reason, hospitals are always striving to improve their “door to balloon” ratio. According to some EMTs, the total time must be less than 90 minutes in order to ensure the best chance of survival.

Ninety minutes may sound like a lot of time, but not when you consider what this includes: the time for an ambulance to arrive, for emergency lifesaving procedures to be administered, and for the patient transferred into a mobile lifesaving unit and transported to the nearest hospital. Once on board, EMTs must stabilize the patient, hook them up to an EKG machine, and communicate with the hospital prior to their arrival.

Mobile EKG machines now play an important role in reducing the “door to balloon” time. Thanks to bluetooth technology, paramedics can now use a 12-lead EKG machine while the patient is en route to the hospital, and transmit the results directly to the hospital emergency room. This information gives emergency personnel a head start on preparing for the patient’s arrival. In a situation where every minute counts, the importance of mobile EKG units cannot be discounted.

One hospital with a real interest in improving their response time is Loyola University Hospital in Illinois. Their Heart Attack Rapid Response Team ensures that an emergency team is available at Loyola, 24/7. This team includes an intervening cardiologist at all times.

Through their partnership with emergency management services, Loyola hopes to dramatically shorten the time it takes them to respond – from the time the 911 call is placed until the heart attack patient arrives is gets the necessary treatment. In most cases, this requires a balloon catheter to be positioned in the blocked artery, which reopens the flow of blood through the heart. Being able to get a patient to this stage of treatment within three hours is crucial, because after that time the risks associated with the procedure may be too high. The sooner the clogged artery can be opened, the better the chance of survival.

Did you know that more than 70 million adults in the US have high blood pressure? So prevalent is this health problem in the US that it has many doctors scrambling to find an effective solution.

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force with which blood is pushing its way through blood vessels and arteries. Any time that blood pressure is up; it means that the heart has to work much harder, which could lead to a number of serious illnesses, including heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke or aneurysm.

Doctors will normally check blood pressure at a routine check-up and order an EKG machine test for older patients or those at high risk for hypertension. The reason why high blood pressure is so concerning is because it is usually an indicator of present or future heart disease, which is the number one killer in America. It can also cause cardiovascular damage and complicate other health problems.

According to most physicians the “normal” blood pressure level is 120/80 or lower. Even a measurement that is slightly higher than this can indicate a condition called pre-hypertension, but high blood pressure is usually diagnosed when blood pressure exceeds 140/90.

Some symptoms of hypertension include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, vision problems, chest pains, irregular heartbeat and nausea. While there are a number of highly effective prescription drugs on the market to help control high blood pressure, lifestyle changes are sometimes the best medicine.

So how is high blood pressure controlled? Proper exercise, a healthy diet, weight loss, and reduced salt and alcohol intake can help a lot, but it is also important to get regular screenings. Most doctors will recommend an electrocardiogram, using a 12-lead EKG machine, as well as a stress test and dietary changes. Controlling high blood pressure can be a quite challenge but “take heart”, it can be done!

EKG machines are used to measure the electrical signals of the heart, but these electrical measurements can often be misleading. This is especially true when EKG machines are used to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). In most cases, doctors need to order more tests before coming to a final diagnosis of this disorder.

According to a recent study by the Henry Ford Medical Center, up to 82 percent of patients who were screened with an EKG machine test received a false positive reading and about 7 percent were given a false negative result. This study was conducted with a control group of 500 patients.

When study researchers analyzed the EKG data against other test results, they found that CT scans were a better predictor of the disease. This is because a CT scan takes a series of images of the heart, while EKG /ECG machines only measure the electrical activity. Once a diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is evident, patients are usually given additional testing, such as an echo-cardiogram and an MRI scan.

LVH causes a thickening of the heart’s lower left chamber, and is usually caused by another medical condition, like hypertension, but unfortunately the disorder is often misdiagnosed or undetectable until it has significantly progressed.

Further research must be done to determine the best method of testing for LVH, because it can be serious. People with LVH are often more susceptible to other cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, myocardial infractions, stroke and abnormal heart rhythms.

Have you ever wondered why a stroke can be a relatively minor event in some people, and a death sentence for others? A recent study shows by the University of Rochester School of Medicine shows that patients with abnormal electrical impulses in the heart are at a much more likely to die within 90 days when they suffer an ischemic stroke.

According to recent research, when a patient’s QTc intervals are greater than 438 milliseconds (in men) and 440 milliseconds (in women) their prognosis after suffering a stroke is not good. QTc intervals are a measurement of the heart’s electrical activity, and are detected with EKG machines.

One important finding in this study was that Emergency Room staff members often forget to review a patient’s current prescription medications to determine they could play a role in lengthening their QTc intervals. When a QTc interval is too long, electrical signals take longer to pass through the heart’s ventricles. A simple EKG machine can diagnose this type of disorder in patients.

Not all electrical abnormalities of the heart are caused by prescription drugs, however. In many cases, it is caused by a genetic disorder or congenital heart disease. EKG machines, which measure the electrical waves in the heart, as well as other cardiology tests, are used to determine the cause of the disorder.

Further research must be done to measure the relationship between QTc intervals and high death rates from an acute ischemic stroke. A recent Mayo Clinic study revealed that only 70% of patients with longer QTc intervals survived for three months after an ischemic stroke, while 87 percent of those without the disorder survived. Also, among those with prolonged electrical intervals who did survive past 90 days, their functionality was poorer than those with normal heart activity.

Overall, doctors should pay close attention to the electrical activity of their patients’ hearts, especially in patients with chronic heart disease. This can be done through regular testing on an EKG machine.

As health 0care technology has changed the scope of medical equipment, the type of available EKG machines has expanded to include fully networked diagnostic capabilities for a variety of medical applications.

If you are searching for a reliable ECG/EKG, there are many companies to choose from. Here is a brief overview of some well known medical equipment manufacturers who offer the best quality EKG machines.

* Philips Medical Systems: One of the largest suppliers of medical equipment in the world, Philips manufactures top-quality systems for every medical need, including x-ray, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, ultrasound, patient monitoring, resuscitation products and of course EKG machines. As leaders in information technology, Philips Medical Systems offers their “best-in-class” information management solutions in every piece of equipment they design.
* Burdick: This leading supplier of EKG machines has been selling reliable equipment to medical offices in America for nearly 50 years. In addition to their cutting edge electrocardiograph technology, Burdick also offers a complete selection of cardiopulmonary diagnostic equipment and IT solutions.
* Cardioline has been serving the health care market for over fifty years by offering a quality solution for ECG diagnostic testing and monitoring, including EKG machines, Defibrillators, Holter Monitors, Stress Testing equipment and other cardiology supplies and accessories.
* GE Health Care: Possibly the most popular EKG machines in use today, the GE Medical Systems line of diagnostic equipment features electrocardiography solutions, Holter monitors, stress testing machines, defibrillators and information management. Their equipment is known for helping physicians make the most informed health care decisions and improving patient care, while increasing productivity in clinical environments.

No matter which manufacturer’s equipment you choose, shopping for new and used EKG machines online is a great way to compare features and pricing.

EKG machines are still one of the most important diagnostic tools used in health care environments and doctors rely on them to save lives or diagnose the presence of heart disease. By detecting and recording the electrical impulses of the heart, an EKG machine informs physicians of cardiac abnormalities. ECG machine tests can also be used as part of an overall physical exam, particularly for older patients.

While most EKG machines are used when a patient is lying on an examination table, doctors often order stress tests to test the heart’s reaction to physical activity. Either way, a set of electrodes are attached to the patient’s arms, legs and chest. Each electrode, or lead, is connected to an EKG machine, which then measures the electrical activity of the heart from various angles.

Once a technician starts the machine, it starts to record electrical activity in the form of wave tracings. These measurements appear on the machine’s screen in real time, and are also printed out on paper for later analysis. If any immediate abnormalities are evident, they are marked up for future examination by a doctor.

The three waves used in accurate EKG machine readings are the P, QRS and T waves. P waves are low-amplitude waves that measure the impulses from the atria. QRS waves are high-amplitude and measure ventricular impulses, and T waves indicate renewal of the ventricle.

Even though electrodes are used to measure electrical activity in the heart, for patients an ECG machine test is painless. However, most doctors recommend that patients avoid drinking cold water right before the test, since it can cause changes in the heart’s T-wave.

In summary, an EKG machine is a helpful tool to help doctors assess their patients’ overall heart health and determine whether chest pains are caused by heart disease.

The GE Marquette series of EKG machines are some of the most sought-after models of cardiology equipment available today, and they are found in nearly every professional health care environment. These advanced machines represent the gold standard of comprehensive electrocardiograph solutions, and are available in many sizes and price ranges to meet the needs of physicians, clinical research facilities and smaller hospitals.

Enhanced patient safety and monitoring capabilities are now included in every Marquette EKG machine, making them a practical solution for every area of health care. From defibrillators and monitors to classic bedside EKG/ECG equipment, the GE Medical Systems brand brings thirty years of experience to their machines.

The GE MAC 5500 Interpretive EKG machine features a simultaneous 15-lead acquisition, plus a 125L Marquette analysis program and an SD card reader for extended memory. Designed to meet the needs of high-volume health care environments, the MAC 5500 combines wireless work flow capability that allows users to capture and analyze data quickly and communicate vital information quickly in critical care environments.

The GE Marquette MAC 500 is a premium resting EKG machine offers one of the industry’s most sophisticated suite of noninvasive testing and proven algorithms, allowing for the highest performance in various ECG applications. It features a 12-lead ECG analysis system that delivers seamless IT connectivity, along with data storage and retrieval, using GE’s Catalyst MUSE technology.

All GE Marquette EKG machines come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and all cables and accessories for easy hook-up and networking capabilities. No matter which GE Marquette system you choose, you can be sure you are getting the ultimate EKG machine with the most reliable technology.

In order for the heart to effectively pump blood through our bodies, an electrical system of impulses must be working properly.

An EKG machine can measure the efficiency of the heart’s electrical impulses, but some wonder how the heart’s electrical conduction system works in the first place. Here is a brief overview:

Here is what is required for the heart to pump effectively:

* Substantial delay between atrial and ventricular activity: This “delay” between impulses allows the atria (or upper chambers) to completely empty their contents into the lower chambers, or ventricles. If the two chambers were to contract simultaneously, this would result in inefficient filling or back flow. In order to maintain this delay, the atria are electrically isolated from the ventricles.
* Coordinated ventricular cell contraction must be present. In order to maximize systolic pressure, forcing the blood through the body, all ventricular cells must work in concert. This contraction, or depolarization process, squeezes blood in one direction, toward the exit of the heart, because the ventricular cells contact simultaneously.
* After contracting, the heart muscle needs to relax in order to fill up again. Any sustained contraction of the heart muscle, without the necessary relaxation, would be fatal.

An EKG machine can be used to measure the effectiveness of the heart’s electrical system, and provide an early diagnosis of any problems.

Because the cardiac muscle has some unique properties from other muscles in the body, it is important to monitor the rhythms and impulses of the heart on a regular basis, particularly if the patient suffers from hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, habitual smoking, or has a family history of heart disease. Maintaining the health of the heart’s electrical rhythms through regular EKG machine testing can be the best preventive medicine for high risk or elderly patients.

One of the most innovative new technologies of the 20th century was the electrocardiogram (EKG machine). Designed for the diagnosis of heart disease, the EKG machine was considered a major advancement in modern medicine. Early EKG machines were much bulkier than today’s lightweight and portable machines, but they work on the same principle – the measurement of the electrical impulses of the heart.

In its early days, the patients were required to place their hands and feet in a sodium chloride bath, since water is a conductive method to detect the electric impulses of the heart. A more accurate method was introduced later with the use of electrical wires, which were later replaced by the electrodes we use today. These modern methods of EKG testing make it much easier to perform, while being safer, more comfortable and accurate.

How is EKG testing done?

A typical EKG test requires a patient to lay on their doctor’s examination table, but some doctors use EKG machines to perform stress tests as well. Here, electrodes are attached to a patient and then they are asked to perform moderate exercise, such as walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. The results of a stress test will give the doctor a better understanding of how a patient’s heart patterns change during physical activity.

How are EKG tests used to diagnose heart problems?

An EKG machine works by picking up electrical impulses emitted from various points of the body, wherever an electrode is placed. Typically, doctors use a 10-12 electrode test that measures the heart’s impulses as they are graphically output into readable waves. These continuous waves are then amplified and displayed on a monitor or printed out for later interpretation by a physician.

EKG machines can detect an irregular heartbeat, arrhythmia or angina and diagnose the symptoms of heart disease. It can also detect whether the heart’s chamber walls are too thick, determine whether prescribed heart medicines are effective, and check on any implanted heart devices, such as pacemakers.

When the time comes to purchase a new EKG machine for your office or medical center, it may help to consult with those who use it the most. Only they will know which features and functions are missing from your current machine, and help you make the right purchasing decision.

Here are some key features to consider for your next EKG machine:

What size paper does the machine use?

Some EKG machines use 60 mm strips and others use EKG paper in half-sized sheets.
Using even smaller paper, such as the 3×4x1 format, may save money in the long run.
It is possible to buy a machine that uses 8.5 x 11” paper. While the paper costs may be higher, it is easier to handle and file these printouts.

Does the machine come equipped with a keyboard for typing in patient information?
When patient demographics appear on their printout, it gives a more professional-looking EKG reading.
However, in some cases it takes too much time for a nurse to personalize the reading for each patient, so this may be a question for your nursing staff.

Does the EKG machine have a screen?
Most medical professionals prefer to have a screen, since it verifies that all leads are working properly prior to testing. It also ensures that the baseline is stable before testing begins.
Making sure that all twelve leads are visible at once, in real time, eliminates the need to switch screens in order to view them.

Does the machine connect to a computer?
If so, make sure the output is based on a system architecture that is compatible with your EMR and EKG management system.
Be careful – Sometimes EKG machines are made to integrate only with the management software made by that manufacturer.

A PC-based EKG machine will allow you to integrate other diagnostic features, to provide a full picture of a patient’s overall health. These user-friendly machines will also allow you to create a searchable database of all EKGs performed, connect to a patient’s electronic medical record, and email results right from your PC.