Read about the latest news on ECG / EKG Machines

Because heart disease is so prevalent, an EKG machine is an essential piece of equipment for the medical practitioner. The EKG, or electrocardiogram, machine measures the electrical activity of the heart. Electrical impulses cause the heart muscles to contract, which causes the heart to beat. Pacemakers supply the electrical impulses when your body cannot do it for you naturally.

If you need to choose an EKG machine, here are some features you should evaluate.

What kind of paper does the machine use? The classic EKG result is a printed strip, but some machines use standard 8.5” x 11” pieces of paper. Standard paper may be less expensive and is easier to store in a patient’s chart.

Can you enter demographic data? Some EKG machines have keyboards that allow you to enter the patient’s name on the report. While that gives a more professional result and makes it easier to make sure the report gets and stays with the right chart, it takes time to key in that personal information. If you may need your machine for emergency use, make sure you can bypass entering that personal data.

Does the machine have a screen so you can see the results before they’re printed? If not, you’ll have to print results to verify that all leads are properly placed. Ideally your screen will show all leads on the screen at once, and give real time results.

What kind of computer integration does the EKG machine provide? Ideally you want to be able to download results into any system you already own including electronic medical records. A machine that only works with proprietary software may not communicate as well, and may be more expensive. You also want to be able to evaluate your EKG findings in concert with other diagnostic tests such as stress testing and Holter monitoring.