Top Benefits of a Portable ECG Machine

Holter Monitor

The Holter monitor is a type of ECG machine used to monitor the ECG tracing continuously for 24 hours or longer. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out for the physician's information and further interpretation.

Event Monitor

This portable device is similar to a Holter monitor, but it records only at certain times for a few minutes at a time. You can wear it longer than a Holter monitor, typically 30 days. You generally push a button when you feel symptoms. Some devices automatically record when an irregular rhythm is detected.

Wearable ECG Monitor

You can use a heart rate monitor fitness tracking device or a fitness smartwatch to determine the health of your heart. Rather than placing electrodes on your skin, these devices or watches require you to hold your finger on the device's digital crown, waiting for 30 seconds. Once you are done, the device will let you know whether the trace captured a normal heartbeat, called a sinus rhythm, or an abnormal heartbeat.

The biggest difference between regular ECG machines and Wearable ECG monitors is that unlike regular ECG Machines, which use 12 leads, the wearable ECG monitor uses just one. In the simplest terms, the 12 lead is taking lots of readings about your heart and the single lead is taking just one.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common and potentially deadly heart condition that can cause irregular and abnormally fast heartbeat. It is intermittent, which makes it difficult to detect.

Unlike getting an ECG at the hospital, you can monitor your heart throughout the day using a portable ECG machine. Taking a 30-second ECG reading whenever you feel symptoms can be useful.

Health professionals can recommend using a portable ECG machine for individuals suffering from paroxysmal Atrial fibrillation, which comes and goes. That way, if you are feeling signs and symptoms, you can take your ECG when you are experiencing symptoms.

Abnormal Heart Rhythm (Arrhythmia)

Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a condition that can cause an irregular heartbeat and could lead to fainting and sudden death. Like Atrial fibrillation, one of the reasons portable ECG devices are useful in detecting a condition like LQTS is that it�s often brought on through exercise and stress. Being able to take a reading when you are at the gym or exercising could be a life-saver.

Heart Attack

An ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a serious heart attack that occurs when one of the heart's major arteries is blocked. Portable ECG machines are effective in identifying STEMI and can be life savers.

Accuracy and Effectiveness of Portable ECG Machine

The main objective of the Portable ECG Machine is to indicate the condition of the heart as per its electrical activities. Thus, the key selection criterion is to find one that produces accurate results within its operating range reliably and consistently. This ensures that the course of action after measurement of the heart's functioning will be the right one to counteract any abnormalities/ fluctuations detected.

Connectivity

Some ECG monitors come with Bluetooth connectivity and can connect to smartphone devices to track the user's data and readings.

Memory

This allows the user to save previous readings, and it can be useful if they want to show the results to a doctor.

Size and Portability

If a person intends to use an ECG monitor while traveling, they should check its dimensions to ensure that it is easy to carry around.

Measurement Time

Most devices take 30 seconds to take one reading.

Modes

Some monitors allow continuous monitoring. These are the ones that you should prefer for a better idea about the heart's overall functionality.