Read about the latest news on ECG / EKG Machines

CAD (Coronary artery disease), is the most frequently found version of heart disease affecting adults in the US. According to the CDC’s recent statistics, nearly 500,000 people died from CAD related heart problems in 2005. In 2006, more than 630,000 people died from some form of cardiac disease, which accounted for 26 percent of all deaths that year in the United States. When one hears numbers like these, it is no surprise that heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the US, affecting women and men about equally. It is these statistics that make the case for more frequent and earlier screenings for high-risk patients. Oftentimes, these tests begin with a routine screening on an EKG machine in a doctor’s office.
In order to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD), the heart must be tested under controlled “stress” conditions. A stress test is a nothing more than an EKG test that is conducted while the patient is working out on a treadmill, and it is here that a doctor will be able to detect blockages that could limit the flow of blood in the coronary arteries. Here, doctors look for at least a 50% diameter reduction in one of the three major arteries of the heart.
In the more widely used exercise cardiac stress test (ECST), a patient exercises according to a pre-set protocol that progressively increases the elevation and/or speed of the treadmill every three minutes. During this time, the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, EKG and heart rhythm are monitored continuously. A blockage will cause certain changes in an EKG report, as well as the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate.
Not all EKG stress tests use a treadmill test. A secondary form of testing can be done by stimulating the heart through chemical stimulation. This form of testing is known as physiological stress testing.

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As any medical professional will admit, all ECG/EKG machines are not created equal. The best machines are made by companies who have been manufacturing hospital-quality monitors for decades. As part of an ongoing series on the latest ECG equipment, this article will focus on the Holter Monitors made by Philips Healthcare.

EKG machines are an integral part of any medical organization, from the routine office visit to a critical care unit; they are some of the most widely used diagnostic machines used today. But with so many advancements in medical equipment technology, physicians rely on more advanced monitoring devices that provide optimal functionality and accuracy.

A Holter monitor from Philips Healthcare includes everything needed for the recording, analysis, diagnosis and communication of ECG data. It uses an integrated system that includes compact recording devices, and specialized software that simplifies the lives of patients while protecting their health.

With a Holter monitor, caregivers utilize specialized software that allows them to download ECG files in 90 seconds. It also allows for four different styles of scanning, which can be completed quickly and generates customized and accurate reporting. Fully compatible with most EMR systems, the Holter monitoring software makes the physician’s reporting seamless and error-free.

Another piece of the Holter monitoring system is the sleek Digitrak XT recorder, a streamlined digital recorder that is specially made for the optimization of technician workflow and improved patient comfort. It has an on-screen guide for the placement of EASI leads and a plug and play docking station for quick ECG downloads

These ECG monitors are so long-lasting and reliable that they are often resold by used medical equipment dealers.

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When the term “EKG treadmill” is used, most people think it refers to the type of equipment a doctor uses to conduct an ECG/EKG stress test. But rather, these exercise machines are primarily a piece of exercise equipment, and can be found in many health clubs, gyms and homes across the country. While these heart monitoring treadmills are not designed to produce the same results that a doctor would see, they do help heart patients make more informed decisions about their exercise regimes.

The concept of an EKG treadmill was first conceived for people with heart disease who need a simple way to track their heart rate during vigorous exercise, but it was more widely adopted by health clubs when they realized how many of their members wanted to use it. For gym owners, having machines that provide this type of information to users gives them added peace of mind as well, since an EKG treadmill will often prevent people from overexerting themselves in cardio workouts.

By simply holding onto the pulse sensors (located on side bars) while walking or running, users can monitor their own heart rate and see it on the screen in front of them. This feature is very helpful for those who want to maintain their cardiovascular health without taking unnecessary risks. In addition to showing the heart rate, these machines show users the optimum range for cardiovascular training.

Surprisingly, these treadmills are not as expensive as most people think, and they come highly recommended by cardiologists and trainers. An economical line of EKG treadmills is available from the Proform Company, a subsidiary of ICON Health and Fitness.

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