Read about the latest news on ECG / EKG Machines

It’s hard to believe that a simple piece of medical equipment like an EKG machine can detect and record abnormal heart rhythms enough to diagnose specific forms of heart disease.  What is so surprising about this is that the EKG machine has been around longer than most other types of medical equipment.

As our aging population increases, it is expected that atrial rhythm abnormalities will become a much larger problem in the United States.  Currently, there are approximately 2.2 million Americans affected by atrial fibrillation, a disease that occurs more about one and half times more frequently in men than in women.  Since this condition is responsible for more than 60,000 strokes every year, doctors rely heavily on the diagnoses given by EKG testing as their most important preventive measure.

Some reasons why abnormal heart rhythms occur include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Cardiac disturbances, such as congestive heart failure
• Ischemic disease of the heart
• Congenital heart defects
• Heart valve damage
• Thyroid conditions
• Alcohol abuse
• Lung infections
• Drug abuse
• Excessive caffeine consumption

In order to prevent an increase in heart rhythm abnormalities, it is important that patients at high risk for heart disease undergo a full workup of cardiovascular testing at least once per year (preferably every six months).  By administering a battery of tests including an EKG/ECG test and heart stress test, a primary physician can detect early signs of atrial fibrillation or other diseases of the heart. If these signs are evident in a patient, the next step is a visit to the cardiologist for additional diagnostic tests and treatment.

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With heart disease on the rise in the United States, accounting for one in every five deaths, scientists have been working feverishly to develop technologies that will prevent cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.

Most forms of cardiovascular disease are treated with pharmaceuticals or surgery, and while medicinal techniques have improved dramatically in this area, there is still much that needs to be done.  EKG machines are an important part of regular heart monitoring and can be used to raise red flags about a patient’s heart problems before a life-threatening episode can occur.  However, testing on an EKG machine is usually administered only at a doctor’s office or hospital, with only at-home blood pressure monitoring in between.

A new, life-saving device may help patients with heart disease to be monitored all the time.  It is called the Angel Med Guardian, and it is about the same size as a standard pacemaker.  While currently in the development stage, this new device will be positioned under the skin near the collar bone, with a wire that contacts the patient’s right ventricle.  It works in conjunction with an external telemetry device that is programmed to monitor and communicate signs of an impending heart attack.  Using Bluetooth technology and a series of audible alarms, the device can ensure rapid medical assistance is on its way to the patient.

Now, instead of relying solely on periodic testing on EKG machines and other heart monitors, the Angel Med Guardian will be an accurate predictor of an impending heart attack in real time.  Still in its second phase of clinical trials, this revolutionary device t is expected to gain wide adoption early on among cardiologists and their high risk patients.

Technorati Tags: ecg, ECG Machines, EKG, EKG Machines, Used Medical Equipment