Heart disease and heart attacks remain at the top of the list for men and women. Early detection and prevention is critical. As far as the medical industry is concerned, this requires staying up-to-date with the latest technology. Even if your facility is operating on a limited budget, you can find the necessary equipment used for very reasonable prices. Because of this, there is no excuse for any medical facility to be without the necessary cardiac diagnostic tools.

Many physicians consider an ECG (electrocardiogram) a standard part of a routine physical for patients over 50 years of age or with specific risk factors. An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart. Any abnormalities in rhythm or beats will be noted. If an individual has suffered a heart attack, one of the first things paramedics or emergency room personnel will do is to attach leads for an ECG to observe the activity of the heart.

Irregularities Identified by ECG Machines

ECG machines convert the electrical signals of the heart into lines on a graph paper strip. This strip is designed for each line to give a time lapse of the various waves. It measures the S-T segment, P-R interval, and the Q,R,S, and T waves. There is no pain associated with an ECG. The technician or nurse performing the electrocardiogram should reassure the patient and calm any anxieties before initiating the test.

ECG machines are used in a variety of clinical settings. A resting ECG is done with the patient reclining and with no physical activity. This gives a baseline to compare future studies such as a stress test, Holter monitoring, or cardiac catheterization. When a problem has been identified, an ECG will become a regular part of the office visit to monitor any cardiac changes occurring. ECGs come with a variety of features for very different costs. Look online to find information onthe many makes and models of ECG machines available.