Read about the latest news on ECG / EKG Machines

The Exercise Stress System with T600 Treadmill from Burdick looks bulky but is portable and is a complete Exercise stress system replete with a treadmill. It can perform resting and stress tests on 12 lead ECG’s. It comes with a sixty day warranty and is competitively priced at 5999 USD.

This machine offers unmatchable quality and precision and incorporates integrated easy to use systems. It comes with a 15 inch color monitor similar to CRT computer monitors which offers as much clarity and resolution as can be expected. The trademark LogiStep operational function highlights the sequential evolution of the entire process and thinks ahead on behalf of the user, making the functioning that less complicated.

The T600 tread mill has a 62 inches by 20 inches walking surface that is wide enough and sports slip free side boards for easy walking or treading. There is also a front rail for gripping onto incase you need extra support. It is streamlined and operates quietly using a brushless DC motor and direct drive technology which delivers optimal performance. It works on power from an AC outlet. The treadmill comes with an emergency stop button and is ideal for exercise stress testing.

The machine has a full alphanumeric keyboard reminiscent of desktop PC keyboards which enables easy data entry and also has additional single touch buttons for calling up various functions of the treadmill like speed increase and decrease as well as the emergency stop button.

The whole system is placed on a portable stand with wheels that has additional racks for storing reports and printed data. It has 11 preprogrammed stress protocols and lets additional programming of up to 30 protocols. The baseline, current median beat and ST measurements are recorded throughout the test process and the trend graphs are displayed on screen or can be printed out using the inbuilt printer on paper. Additionally the machine has an outlet socket which lets you connect it to an external printer.

The Burdick Eclipse Premier 12 Lead Resting EKG Machine is a compact unit that looks sleek and stylish. It is all white with a grey full alphanumeric keyboard for easy data entry and comes on a stand with wheels which makes it portable. There are short cuts on the keyboard for one touch functions such as STAT ECG’s and other functions. It delivers guaranteed high performance at affordable rates, with the cost of acquiring it coming to 2499 USD.

The communications and networking abilities of the system lets you share real time data and enables accurate patient identification. Additional data entry option through bar code scanning ensures error free entry of patient demographics. This system is ideal for those practitioners and facilities seeking a high performance delivering ECG machine. The highly accurate and speedy result it provides makes it a critical component in holistic medical care.

Like most ECG machines in the market this machine provides a 12 lead acquisition and displays the preview on color active matrix LCD display screen with a high resolution that is mounted on the face and can be tilted and swiveled. It also comes with intuitive menu selection which makes it easy to use.

The internal memory allows for directory storage of up to 100 ECG readings. Real time data sharing is enabled through use of wireless networks or wired Ethernet connections. The inbuilt thermal dot array printer enables printing of interpreted data on A4 size paper. The machine can be integrated with the Pyramis Data Management System using optional communications package for downloading and uploading test results via wireless or wired networking.

The software bundle also provides other features such as online storage, retrieval, editing and distribution of the 12 lead ECG data. It helps to centralize the data and enables multiple accesses from within the facility or remotely. It works on AC power or on long life batteries.

Another compactly designed specimen from the GE Marquette series of ECG machines, the GE Marquette Mac 5000 Premium Resting ECG Machine is at top of the line interpretive system that combines additional features with the usual functionalities and features that are incorporated by the highly popular Marquette MAC series of machines. As said by the manufacturers, it delivers high performance using advanced capabilities that can be offered only by the most extensive collection of interpretive algorithms used in the ECG machine industry.

It is a highly evolved non invasive testing solution that combines unparalleled hardware technology with a complete suite of networkable software solutions which optimizes output and productivity which makes it ideal for any facility that aspires for a high performing ECG machine.

Its sophisticated advanced functionalities deliver complete solutions for advanced ECG applications and extend a high degree of performance to the largest possible user base. It allows for advanced 12 lead ECG computer analysis and interpretation with P-wave signal averaging, late potential analysis, ACI-TIPI and gender specific interpretational criteria as part of the revolutionary 12 SL trademarked technology from the GE Marquette series for the identification of arrhythmia.

The MAC 5000 is a premier resting ECG system that delivers the most advanced disease diagnostic management application that most machines fall short of achieving. The late potential analysis offers effective management for ventricular and atrial arrhythmia as well as chest pain. It delivers broad based connectivity solutions using the MUSE CV information system for data storage and retrieval of ECG interpretational data.

The backlit LCD screen display is of high resolution and has waveform enhancement capability. It displays data such as heart rate, patient demographics, filter settings, warning and prompts as well as help messages. The interpreted data can be printed out in high resolution using the thermal dot array printer that is inbuilt and works on Z fold paper of A or A4 sizes on Z fold paper.

EKG Machines are used to measure and record any abnormal activity within a patient’s heart. It can detect a multitude of heart ailments in quick time and with ease. The readings are usually recorded as a graph that leaps up and down and describes the electrical action of the heart muscles. The average time taken for a test to be conducted is 5 minutes. The readings can be read only by a trained physician is incomprehensible to a layman.

The Nihon Kohden ECG-1350A Cardio Fax M EKG Machine is a 12 channel recording machine that meets major international performance standards that are prescribed for electrocardiographs on pointers such as accuracy and digital filter performance. It comes with a high clarity LCD display screen which lists the results for review. IT has substantial internal memory which allows for storing of up to 40 ECG files and also allows for huge amounts of data to be stored on external SD memory cards which can be transferred onto a PC using a LAN connection or USB cable. It is compatible with windows based computer systems on which the recorded data can be analyzed and managed using optional ECG viewer software.

The performance delivered by this unit is of exceptionally high standards and is relatively economical. It is also portable and light weight which allows for easy transportation and moving around. First hand machines come with a 4 year warranty and an ECAPS 12C interpretive analysis program. The compact design occupies minimal space and is convenient for small clinics and medical facilities. It also comes with an alphanumeric keyboard that enables data entry and patient information storage and retrieval.

The Mortara Eli 250 Deluxe EKG ECG Machine is the next generation of 12 lead resting electrocardiograph machines and interprets the acquired data based on internationally recognized ECG machine interpretation algorithm. It has a high resolution LCD display with backlight that enables previewing of the interpretive data from the 12 leads of ECG in real time. It also allows viewing of recalled data once the ECG has been acquired.

The keyboard is a fully loaded alphanumeric one, which is very user friendly and comes with single touch buttons for instant acquisition of ECG data and for making print outs or transmissions. The printer supports A4 size paper and includes multiple printout options from 6 channel or 12 channel data including copies. The high internal storage capacity lets you save up to 60 ECG recordings. The expandable memory is less impressive and allows only up to 150 ECG records.

The EKG machine is connectivity savvy and supports two way data exchange using serial ports, an inbuilt modem which can transmit and receive data via LAN or Wireless network. The software provides for multiple data encryption methods including WEP, WPA-PSK etc. The transmission of data can be managed using the software options that are built into the system. The machine also supports information exchange interfaces which help transmit and receive patient demographics, ECG orders and displayable results.

The data is transmitted and received using original equipment software as well as third-party software. There is an option barcode reader that allows scanning to quick and easy data entry which is also accurate. The display part is quite soothing to the eyes and is not overly colorful or bright. The design is sleek and compact and hence does not occupy much space, which makes it ideal for use in space constricted offices and clinics. The small size also makes it portable and easy to move around other medical equipment.

Most medical practitioners tend to forget that patients, regardless of how familiar they are with their diagnosis and prognosis, use medical terms and language that patients don’t understand.

When you send your patients for an EKG test, one needs to remember, especially with older patients that they are hardly familiar with commonly used medical terms. And when the patient does not know what to expect, a simple procedure like an EKG can turn into a traumatic event or can pave the way for unnecessary stress.

It is important for a patient to know that what exactly you or the EKG machine technician will be doing when an electrocardiogram is performed. Further, it is very helpful and comforting to let the patient know that an EKG procedure involves no pain or any discomfort and that the preparation only involves attaching a couple of “plasters” on them. In addition, the majority of patients feel more safe and comforted when they are informed that the actual assessment takes only about 60 seconds after which the EKG machine will print the results immediately on a graphic paper from the machine and that he or she will be able to have the results interpreted by the doctor or cardiologist.

It is also a good idea after you make a diagnosis, to inform the patient as to why you would like to perform or request for an EKG to be performed on them. Most patients think if you request for a EKG test, they are about to die. Few of them are informed that an EKG is used to follow up on an existing heart disease or condition that they might have or to follow up on the prognosis after they suffered a heart attack or when you as the medical practitioner suspect malfunctioning of the heart or a similar condition.

Well, you might realize that having a successful general practice involves having some specialized diagnostic equipment readily available. Or the other scenario might be that you’re your “old-faithful” EKG machine has decided to retire unexpectedly and it is broken with no repair possibilities.

Some things have changed since you last had a look at the technology and features provided. Listed are some factors you will need to take into consideration before buying your new EKG machine.

1. Paper Use

What paper does the new medical equipment use and what are the dimensions of the paper? You will find that certain electrocardiograph machines use 6 cm sheets or half sized sheets to do print outs on. It is even possible to find EKG machines that make use of smaller paper that are able to provide you with a full print in 3 x 4 + 1 format. However, the preferred used paper for EKG printouts by the majority of cardiologist remains the letter sized paper which is 8.5” x 11”. This may be a more expensive choice but for filing and record keeping purposes this is the best paper option to use.

2. Data Capturing Capabilities

The ideal is to have an EKG machine that allows you to enter specific patient information via a keyboard. It is common sense that an EKG are used by several medical personnel and with printed patient information on the EKG test printout it does not only serve to be more professional, but also prevents wrong identification added to a printout with obvious serious implications.

3. What View Do You Have?

With a screen at your disposal fitted to the EKG machine, you will be able to see that all leads are in good working order. This feature also allows you to ensure that the base line is stable before starting to record the EKG. If all 12 leads are visible, you will be able to view all activities in real time.

Electrocardiograph machines are called as ECG machines or EKG machines. They get the name EKG machine because it is an abbreviated form of the German word “elektro-kardiographie”. The EKG machine is used to determine the normal and abnormal heartbeats by recording the electrical impulses of the muscles of the heart.

Initially these EKG machines were huge and bulky, however, these days they are smaller and easy to handle. While using this medical equipment to test the heartbeats of a patient, electrodes are connected to the body of the patient who is made to lie flat on a bed. These electrodes help in transmitting the electrical impulses to the electrocardiogram machine to which they are connected. These electrical impulses are then amplified and displayed on the monitor of the machine for the doctor to monitor. This test can be performed within a span of just five minutes.

By performing an EKG using the EKG machine can prove to be very informative to the doctor who is analyzing a patient with heart problems.

1. The doctor can know if the patient has had a heart attack before.
2. The doctor can see if the patient has fallen prey to the coronary heart disease.
3. This machine also gives information on the thickness of the muscles of the heart which can be very useful to the doctor while treating the patient.
4. The doctor can also find out about the heart rate and rhythm.

Though the EKG machines are extremely beneficial, they also have some drawbacks. Some of the results obtained through EKG need to be confirmed by performing various other tests and diagnoses. The EKG machine helps us determine the heart rate and rhythm of the person only when the EKG test is being done. Sometimes, certain types of heart diseases in their initial stages cannot be detected using the EKG machine.

An electrocardiogram, known as an EKG, is one of the first tests ordered by physicians for patients that are suspected of having heart problems. The EKG machine assesses the electrical activity of the heart by measuring time intervals and the amount of activity that passes through the muscles of the heart. Every time the heart beats, it sends an electrical wave through the heart. These electrical impulses trigger the heart muscles to compress, forcing the heart to pump out blood. Measuring the length of time it takes for the electric impulses to travel to the different areas of the heart allows physicians to determine if the activity is in the normal range. It can reveal abnormalities if electrical activity is irregular.

These electrical waves are recorded by the EKG machine and then displayed on a graph paper that is printed out by the physician.

This noninvasive procedure is performed by applying sticky electrodes to the patient’s body. Electrodes are placed on the chest, arms, legs and depending on the type of EKG machine used, may be placed on the shoulders and hips as well. The patient is connected to the EKG machine via the wires that are attached to the electrodes. The patient is instructed to remain still during the procedure to allow for an accurate recording of the EKG. Once all of the electrodes are applied and the test is administered, the actual recording will take only a few moments.

There are no risks associated with an EKG stress test. It is a safe and pain free procedure with no reports of serious reactions. The most common minor side effect is skin irritation at the site of the electrodes after they are removed. Occasionally, normal recordings occur in patients that have substantial heart disease. Additionally, an EKG may present as abnormal while the heart is functioning properly with no abnormalities. For this reason it is always best to obtain a second opinion. It is recommended that patients presenting with an abnormal EKG test or patients with normal results that are presenting with abnormal cardiac symptoms should make an appointment with a cardiac specialist.

The normal kind of EKG test is done while in a resting position. This is when you lay down on a bed, the EKG technicians attach the electrodes to your arms, legs, and chest area and you lay down for a short while the test is done. This is for about one minute. In the event when this type of EKG does not provide sufficient or significant results, the doctor or cardiologist will request one of the following three types of EKG machine tests:

In many instances serious heart diseases or heart malfunctioning can not be diagnosed when you are in a resting phase. This means, only when there is some strain on your heart like when you perform some kind of activity and your heart needs to work harder, these problems shows up and can be diagnosed effectively and accurately. With a normal stress test you will be walking on a treadmill or pedal on a fitness bicycle.

Now this is all very well if you are able to walk and perform some kind of action, but what happens to patients that cannot walk for instance? With the advancement of medical technology, these patients are injected with a chemical that causes the heart to beat faster and cause your blood to flow faster, resembling the affect normal exercise will have on your heart. In these events, an echocardiography or a nuclear heart scan is done to trace the functioning of the heart.

The process of nuclear heart scanning requires a radioactive tracer to be injected into the bloodstream while a special radiology camera follow the tracer as it travels through your heart and different arteries.

When an echocardiography is used, it makes use of sound waves to indicate the flow of your blood through the heart chambers, functioning of the heart chamber valves and the amount of strength your heart muscle uses to perform these different actions.