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Home / Equine Research Bank / Aust Vet J / Application of an electrocardiography device (iECG) for hear...
Australian veterinary journal2021; 100(3); 114-120; doi: 10.1111/avj.13137

Application of an electrocardiography device (iECG) for heart rhythm analysis after exercise in Thoroughbred horses.

Abstract: AliveCor is a smartphone electrocardiography device (iECG) providing automated heart rate (HR) and rhythm determination. Atrial fibrillation (AF) in horses often is paroxysmal and rapid ECG acquisition is needed for diagnostic confirmation. iECGs were collected post-race from 15 horses with AF and 64 horses in sinus rhythm (SR). Results of manual assessment were compared to 3 commercial algorithms for HR and rhythm. Agreement between manually derived HR (HRM ) and HR derived by the AliveECG Vet (HRVET ) and Kardia version-1 (KV1 HR) and Kardia advanced (KADV HR) algorithms was quantified by the Bland-Altman limits of agreement test. Agreement between manual rhythm classification and KV1 and KADV algorithms for AF and SR was calculated by the Kappa statistical coefficient. The agreement (bias, 95% limits), between HRM and HRVET was 7.1 BPM (-29 to 43) in AF and -4.2 BPM (-38 to 30) in SR, between HRM and KV1 HR, was -0.3 BPM (-31 to 30) in AF and 0.2 BPM (-3 to 4) in SR, and between HRM and KADV HR was 7.0 BPM (-29 to 43) in AF and 0.2 BPM (-3.9 to 4.2) in SR. Agreement between manual rhythm classification and KV1 was 0.36 (0.13-0.59), and KADV was 0.84 (0.68-0.99). Sensitivity and specificity for identification of AF and SR of the KV1 algorithm were 60, 100% and 83, 100%, respectively, and of KADV was 87, 100% and 93, 100% respectively. The Kardia algorithms improved precision for HR determination in SR but not AF. The advanced algorithm accurately distinguished between AF and SR. The iECG is suitable for recording episodes of AF following exercise.
© 2021 Australian Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2021-12-02 PubMed ID: 34859419DOI: 10.1111/avj.13137Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates the efficacy of a smartphone electrocardiography device, AliveCor, in identifying heart rate and rhythm after exercise in Thoroughbred horses. The study particularly focuses on cases of atrial fibrillation (AF) and sinus rhythm (SR), assessing the performance of AliveCor and its algorithms against manual assessments.

Introduction to the Research

  • The study presents a comparison between manual assessment of heart rate and rhythm in Thoroughbred horses and the measurements derived from a smartphone electrocardiography device called AliveCor.
  • The study places special emphasis on two conditions – atrial fibrillation (AF) and sinus rhythm (SR). AF is often sporadic and requires quick ECG acquisition for accurate diagnosis.
  • AliveCor uses automated means to record heart rate and rhythm, offering a potentially more immediate and convenient solution for detecting these conditions post-exercise.

Methodology

  • iECGs were collected from a sample of 15 horses with AF and 64 horses in SR after they had completed a race.
  • The manual data was contrasted with the results produced by AliveCor, specifically three commercial algorithms for heart rate and rhythm which were named AliveECG Vet, Kardia version-1, and Kardia advanced.
  • To determine the level of agreement between AliveCor’s measurements and the manual readings, the researchers used the Bland-Altman limits of agreement test.
  • The Kappa statistical coefficient was used to calculate agreement between the manual assessment and the Kardia algorithms in classifying the rhythm as AF or SR.

Findings

  • The results showed varying degrees of agreement between the heart rates determined by the manual assessments and those derived by the AliveECG Vet, Kardia version-1, and Kardia advanced algorithms.
  • It was found that the Kardia algorithms improved the precision of heart rate determination in horses in a sinus rhythm, but didn’t achieve the same accuracy for cases of AF.
  • The advanced Kardia algorithm showed accurate differentiation between AF and SR.
  • The data suggests that the iECG, equipped with its advanced algorithm, is fit for recording episodes of AF in horses after exercise.

Cite This Article

APA
Nath LC, Forbes G, Elliott AD, Tomren V, Ryan A, Franklin SH. (2021). Application of an electrocardiography device (iECG) for heart rhythm analysis after exercise in Thoroughbred horses. Aust Vet J, 100(3), 114-120. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13137

Publication

Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 1751-0813
NlmUniqueID: 0370616
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 100
Issue: 3
Pages: 114-120

Researcher Affiliations

Nath, L C
  • University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia.
Forbes, G
  • Racing Victoria, Flemington, Victoria, Australia.
Elliott, A D
  • University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Tomren, V
  • Racing Victoria, Flemington, Victoria, Australia.
Ryan, A
  • University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia.
Franklin, S H
  • University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation / veterinary
  • Electrocardiography / methods
  • Electrocardiography / veterinary
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horses
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Grant Funding

  • Racing Victoria

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