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.

JAMA: Common ECG finding may indicate serious cardiac problems

A routine electrocardiogram (ECG) that signals a disorder of the electrical conducting system in one part of the heart previously believed to be benign is associated with an increased risk for atrial fibrillation, pacemaker implantation or death, according to a study in the June 24 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

FDA approval brings GE portable ECG to U.S.

The FDA has cleared GE Healthcare's MAC 800, a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) device based on cell phone technology, which will immediately be introduced into the U.S. market.

ECG Image Management Brings Increased Productivity and Confidence

Seamlessly integrating ECG information into electronic medical records is imperative in today’s totally connected medical enterprise. Managing ECG image capture and report generation leads to a more efficient use of resources, as well as better patient outcomes.

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.