ECG Monitor
ECG Monitor Information
The first thing we should clear up is that a EKG monitor and a ECG monitor is exactly the same thing. Quite often we will see EKG in the United States but in Europe the most common reference is the ECG. Both refer to the recording of the hearts activity over a period of time.
The days of the large (and expensive) heart monitors, with all the leads going every which way are long gone. Thanks to computer technology and micro-miniature circuitry. Today just about everyone can afford a ECG monitor. So you can monitor your heart’s ECG from home or just about anywhere else. The peace of mind alone is worth the investment. For example, those with irregular heartbeats can now easily monitor their conditions. It wasn’t all that long ago that if you wanted to get an idea where things stood with your heart, you’d have to trudge off to the hospital or your doctor’s office for an ECG or EKG. Now, with the hand held ECG monitor available, these visits can be reduced, saving you money.
Prior to the hand held ECG Monitor being available, you’d have to go in for an electrocardiogram, commonly referred to as an EKG or ECG. Both an EKG monitor and a ECG monitor will record the small changes in electricity that take place on your skin. The changes on the skin are actually being caused by changes in the electrical state of the heart. While this is a very basic test, it’s of critical importance because it provides an excellent assessment of the heart or pacemaker. A ECG monitor can also show early signs of some potential diseases that can affect your heart.
The ECG machine used in a doctors office or hospital will have anywhere from 3 to 12 leads which attach to your chest, arms and legs. These leads will detect signals from various areas of the heart. Most have a print out that your doctor will use to document the readings. The use of a ECG monitor is a non invasive and painless test of your heart over a period of time.
Benefits Of Owning Your Own ECG Monitor
With a hand held / portable ECG monitor, you have the ability to take a recording of your your heart’s activity over a 20-30 second period of time. You determine when you want to record your hearts activity. Some people have a ‘base’ recording that they use to compare recordings made when they feel they are experiencing some sort of heart issue. You can give the printouts from your monitor to your doctor to assist in diagnosing possible problems. If you’ve had an operation, you can also use your ECG monitor during your cardiac rehabilitation and provide the results to your doctor.
Todays EKG monitors are very small hand held units. That means you can take it with you everywhere you go so you can take readings from just about anywhere and at just about anytime. You are not tied down when you have your own ECG Monitor
Depending on the model selected, many units will record up to 100 separate 30 seconds time strips or your hearts activity.
Many ECG monitors also come with a USB connection and accompanying software so that you can print out your strips for your doctor to review. Plus the test strips can be stored on your computers hard drive so you can have a history of your hearts activity over time.
While technology and medical advances have made it possible for anyone to own an ECG monitor, it’s important to realize that unless you are a trained medical professional. The output strips from the ECG monitor (or EKG monitor, if you prefer) will still need to be read by your physician. Even though you own a ECG monitor, do be surprised if your doctor requests that you have an ECG/EKG at their office using their large, non portable, multi-lead machines.
Without question, having your own monitor can really be a godsend because having one could end up saving your life. You may find yourself far away from a doctor or hospital when conditions may present themselves. Perhaps they won’t present again for several months. By being able to take readings as conditions present themselves, your doctor may be able to diagnose and help you deal with an issue before it becomes life threatening.
Where To Buy An ECG Monitor
You will be able to purchase an ECG monitor from a local medical supply store, but for the best selection and the best prices, you’ll want to take a look online. While there are a number of different online retailers that sell ECG Monitors, if you are looking for a home or portable heart monitor that’s where you will find the lowest prices. In our searching for ECG Monitors and EKG Monitors this is where we found the lowest prices. Take your time and buy the model that best suits your situation. ECG monitor features and functions vary and educating yourself prior to the purchase is very important.
