Electrocardiography

Electrocardiograms (ECG) are a primary cardiac diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity in heart to identify overall cardiac function, arrhythmias and areas of ischemia and infarct. Standard 12-lead ECG breaks the 3D structure of the heart into 12 zones, each showing the electrical activity in that specific area of the heart. This narrows down areas where there are issues with coronary artery disease or electrophysiology issues. Many ambulatory heart monitors and consumer-grade ECG monitors use fewer leads so are less specific as to cardiac conditions or location of abnormal heart rhythms, but can show an issue that requires further diagnostic testing or treatment.

Medtronic's PulseSelect Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) System

Medtronic heart rhythm technologies on full display at AF Symposium 2025

Cardiologists shared updated data on Medtronic's ICM and PFA offerings during AF Symposium 2025 in Boston. 

FDA has now cleared more than 1,000 AI models, including many in cardiology

Cardiology is the medical speciality with the second most FDA clearances overall. 

HeartBeam, a California-based healthcare technology company, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its cable-free, credit card-sized heart monitor that produces 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs).

FDA clears credit card-sized heart monitor

The new device was designed to help patients evaluate their own heart health in real time.

A majority of medical devices involved in Class I recalls were never required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to undergo premarket or postmarket clinical testing, according to new research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.[1]

AI-powered ECG screening a cost-effective way to ID heart failure patients

The technique was especially cost-effective in outpatient settings, according to a new study of more than 22,000 patients.

eko health digital stethoscope artificial intelligence

Eko Health’s AI platform for digital stethoscopes granted new CPT code

The Sensora platform, which includes multiple FDA-approved algorithms, has a new Category III CPT code.

artificial intelligence in cardiology

FDA grants AI-powered ECG screening tool for aortic stenosis its breakthrough device designation

The FDA clearly sees significant potential in this new screening software from New York-based AccurKardia.

Researchers have found that homemade play-putty can effectively capture electrocardiogram (ECG) signals at a level comparable to commercially available electrodes. The play-putty is made with a simple mix of flour, water, salt, cream of tartar and vegetable oil—but the potential is much more than one may expect.

Homemade electrodes made of putty capture heart data as well as some commercial devices

The putty, made with basic ingredients found around the house, can effectively capture ECG measurements.

Harlan Krumholz, MD, SM, editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), and a cardiologist and the Harold H. Hines, Jr. Professor of Medicine at the Yale school Medicine, explains some of the key technology advances he is watching across cardiology.

JACC editor excited by progress during a 'very important moment' for cardiology

Harlan Krumholz, MD, editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, explains some of the key technology and treatment trends he has his eyes on.

Around the web

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.