Application of the Alivecor KardiaMobile smartphone modulated ECG device for use in horses.
Abstract: Electrocardiography is the method used to monitor the electrical impulses in the heart. These diagnostics are increasingly making use of smartphone-based technologies. The objective of this research was to determine whether the Alivecor KardiaMobile (ECG) smartphone-modulated electrocardiographic device, a novel ECG device, can be used to obtain reliable electrocardiogram (ECG) readings in horses. The device was initially tested in 36 Nooitgedacht pony mares to determine the best site of application, method of skin preparation, and ECG device orientation for reliable ECG tracings. Once the most reliable site for ECG acquisition was determined, the device was then applied, in this manner, to 31 Nooitgedacht pony mares and compared with a standard telemetric ECG system (ECG). The ECG device was best applied in the fourth intercostal space on the left hemithorax in a vertical orientation and with the skin dampened with 70% ethanol. Mean values determined for RR and QT intervals between the ECG and ECG were not significantly different, however, mean values for the duration of the QRS complexes were significantly different for the two devices. There is acceptable agreement between the ECG and ECG devices with regards to the measurement of the PQ; RR and QT intervals but not the QRS duration. The automatically calculated heart rate is not an accurate measure of true heart rate. The Alivecor KardiaMobile (ECG) device can be considered as a simplified screening ECG device in situations where the more standardised system is either unavailable or impractical, but has some limitations.
Publication Date: 2023-06-22 PubMed ID: 37358319DOI: 10.36303/JSAVA.540Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research paper evaluates the effectiveness of the Alivecor KardiaMobile ECG device, a smartphone-linked heart monitoring tool, in obtaining reliable electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings in horses.
Methodology
- The researchers initially tested the ECG device on 36 Nooitgedacht pony mares. This was done to establish the most effective application method and orientation of the device, as well as the best site on the horse’s body for reliable ECG tracings.
- Various factors such as the skin preparation protocol and the place of application were carefully considered during the initial phase. They determined that the best results could be acquired when the device was placed in the fourth intercostal space on the left hemithorax in a vertical position. A skin preparation using 70% ethanol was found to be optimal.
Comparison with Standard ECG Method
- After determining the best method of application, they compared the ECG readings taken using the Alivecor KardiaMobile device with those generated by a standard telemetric ECG system. This new round of testing was conducted on 31 Nooitgedacht pony mares.
- The researchers found no significant differences in the RR and QT intervals obtained by the two devices. However, there were considerable differences between the two devices when it came to the duration of the QRS complexes, with the smartphone-modulated device recording significantly different values.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the researchers determined that the Alivecor KardiaMobile ECG device provides acceptable agreement with the standard ECG device with regards to the measurement of PQ, RR, and QT intervals, but not the QRS duration.
- Furthermore, the research also found that while the device offers a convenient method of measuring heart rate, its automated heart rate calculation is not an accurate reflection of the true heart rate.
- Despite these limitations, the researchers found the Alivecor KardiaMobile device suitable for simplified screening ECG examinations in situations where conventional equipment may be impractical or unavailable.
Cite This Article
APA
Piketh G, Williams A, Schliewert EC.
(2023).
Application of the Alivecor KardiaMobile smartphone modulated ECG device for use in horses.
J S Afr Vet Assoc.
https://doi.org/10.36303/JSAVA.540 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
- Head of Equine and Data, Research and Ai Executive Manager, Vet-Ai Information, United Kingdom.
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
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