ECG Machines

Electrocardiography is the measurement and tracking of electrical activity in the heart to help identify potential cardiac conditions. An ECG machine uses a number of leads affixed to points on the human body to measure the change in cell polarization allowing for diagnosis of possible heart weakness and disease. Though these results may not necessarily indicate a specific condition, an electrocardiograph can help to identify weak areas of the heart.

Most ECG machines allow for the connection of up to 12 leads for monitoring various areas of the heart. The placement of these leads allows the health care provider to assess functioning by receiving signals from the heart from different directions. By interpreting the strength, duration, and differences in these signals, it is possible to identify specific areas that may be afflicted. Commonly, the electrocardiograph takes input from each limb, the chest, sides, and shoulders.

Conditions often identified using an ECG machine include murmurs and arrhythmias, seizures, collapse, and myocardial infarction. Interpretation of electrocardiography allows a healthcare provider to locate and monitor rhythms and strengths of heart functioning. The stored results and printouts allow for identification of current problems, previous conditions, and can suggest the need for treatment in order to reduce the potential of future occurrences.