Read about the latest news on ECG / EKG Machines

Ultrasound is an area of medical technology that has expanded well beyond its original purposes.  Gone are the days when the only ultrasound you would get in a lifetime would be during pregnancy.  Today’s ultrasound technology does far more than anyone dreamed possible.  Part of the reason for this is the incorporation of Doppler ultrasound into most of the latest machines.  Doppler ultrasound does more than measure the size, density and shape of an organ or structure; it can also monitor blood flow as it moves through arteries and veins.

In keeping with the trend toward smaller medical devices, it was no surprise to see doctors clamoring to try the new smart phone-sized scanners.  It turns out these tiny ultrasound scanners can give them a snapshot of a patient’s heart in a matter of seconds.   These EKG machines, which are often worn by physicians all day long, are more valuable than a stethoscope, in that they provide an instant image of the heart.  Doctors can quickly see anything unusual by looking at the shape, size and function of the heart.

While the new devices will by no means replace larger EKG machines or portable EKG devices, the ability to see how well the heart is pumping is a metric that is almost impossible to get by other means.  Now it is possible for doctors to get immediate images without waiting for outpatient testing to be done, but patients with apparent abnormalities will still need additional testing.

The key strength of this ultrasound device is its ability to spot problems, but most medical practitioners would recommend a more thorough diagnostic process before any treatment is done.  Other testing may include an EKG test or an EKG stress test, as well as a full-blown echocardiogram.

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Like almost every other type of medical equipment, the trend in EKG machines is going “portable”. It seems like every year, more manufacturers jump on the bandwagon and start making portable EKG machines. One reason for this may the widespread need for these machines for use in emergency vehicles, doctor’s offices and developing countries.

As the economies of Brazil, India and China expand, their need for rural medical clinics grows too. But these emerging markets are not able to purchase the most advanced equipment. Most get by with pre-owned portable EKG machines that have been refurbished for resale.

Two of the companies that make these machines are Cardioline and Mortara. Since both of these manufacturers used EKG machines for sale in the online marketplace, it is worth finding out how they compare.

To compare two EKG machines for sale, it helps to look at their features, as well as how they fit in with existing equipment. Is the machine upgradeable? Does it come with a training manual? How about a warranty?

The popular Cardioline ar600 is a portable ECG/EKG machine that offers a range of options in terms of versatility and modularity, and it can be upgraded easily. It uses one-touch automation and an alphanumeric keypad, as well as advanced digital filters to produce a clear and stable ECG every time. A high-definition thermal digital printer provides more precise tracings because it has no moving parts. Durable parts, cables and accessories, plus a dual power supply with an internal rechargeable battery, make this EKG machine a top choice.

The Mortara ELI-100 EKG machine, made by Mortara Instrument, is a little different than the ar600 in that it is an interpretive EKG. This 12-lead machine uses an LCD display with a user-friendly interface and a full alphanumeric keyboard. The ELI-100 is fast and easy to use. It includes AC interference rejection and a thermal printer, plus lead fail detection and other quality checks to ensure optimal rhythm recording.

For the best value in portable EKG machines, it pays to shop online and look for refurbished medical equipment.

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For people with early symptoms of heart disease, a trip to the doctor for a check-up may result in an EKG stress test. Often known as treadmill tests, doctors use this diagnostic test to discover how well the heart handles hard work. Since the body must work harder during exercise, it also requires more oxygen, meaning the heart must pump blood faster. When the blood supply to the heart is reduced because of build-up in the arteries, this will show up in the EKG stress test results. This type of test will also let doctors give their patients advice on the appropriate level of exercise for their condition.
Here is how the test works:
· When taking an EKG Stress Test, a person must be hooked up to an EKG machine

· The doctor will instruct the patient to walk slowly on the treadmill at first, but the speed will increase to a faster pace as the test continues, with a slight incline to give the effect of climbing a hill.

· The patient may be asked to breathe into a tube for a few minutes.

· When the test is complete, the patient will sit still or lie down so their blood pressure and heart rate can be monitored further.

The machine used to measure the heart’s electrical rhythms during a stress test is called an electrocardiogram, also known as an EKG or ECG. Stress tests are often used to diagnose specific problems with the heart, including:
· Coronary artery disease

· The cause of chest pain, lightheadedness or shortness of breath

· Predict the likelihood of dangerous heart-related events, such as a heart attack

· Determine how effective certain procedures have been in correcting circulation problems in the coronary arteries

Oftentimes, when the test results are complete, the doctor will need to send the patient for additional tests, including a catheterization or nuclear stress test.

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