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Journal of equine science2015; 26(1); 1-13; doi: 10.1294/jes.26.1

History of research in Japan on electrocardiography in the racehorse.

Abstract: Since the first recording of electrocardiograms (ECGs) of a horse in Japan was carried out in 1944, studies on ECGs have been performed intensively. During the early stages of research from the 1950s to 1960s, leads to use for ECG recording were evaluated using several different approaches including unipolar leads, bipolar limb leads, and bipolar chest leads. Based on these studies, the AB lead, which is oriented along the long axis of the heart, became the standard reference method in Japan. Electrodes of the AB lead are placed on the upper 1/4th point along a straight line between the withers and the left shoulder blade (base: B), and 10 cm posterior to the left olecranon (apex: A). The incidence of equine arrhythmias among racehorses has been surveyed, and details of the electrocardiographic characteristics of several arrhythmias have been investigated. In particular, atrial fibrillation (AF) has been extensively studied, and papers have reported findings such as that paroxysmal AF occurs during racing and described electrocardiographic changes that occur at the onset of AF during exercise. Development of a radiotelemetry system for ECG recording enabled the first recording of equine ECGs during galloping in 1964, the detection of arrhythmias, and calculation of heart rate during exercise. Studies on comparative and developmental changes of ECGs have described characteristics of the equine ECGs. Future research on changes in cardiac function, including autonomic function, that occur with aging may lead to new developments in equine electrocardiography and contribute to improving the health and welfare of the horse.
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Publication Date: 2015-03-31 PubMed ID: 25829865PubMed Central: PMC4379327DOI: 10.1294/jes.26.1Google 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 article discusses the history and developments made in the field of equine electrocardiography (ECG) in Japan since its first recording in 1944, focusing on techniques, findings, advancements, and prospects for future research.

Initial Developments in Equine ECG

  • Equine electrocardiography began in Japan in 1944.
  • From the 1950s to the 1960s, early-stage research was conducted to determine the most efficient leads for ECG recording.
  • Different lead approach methods, including unipolar leads, bipolar limb leads, and bipolar chest leads were evaluated.
  • Research led to the establishment of the AB lead as the standard reference method in Japan. The AB lead is oriented along the long axis of the horse’s heart, with the electrodes placed at specific points on the horse’s body.

Research and Findings on Equine Arrhythmias

  • The research also studied the incidence of equine arrhythmias among racehorses.
  • The electrocardiographic characteristics of several arrhythmias were examined and documented.
  • Particular attention was given to atrial fibrillation (AF), a common cardiac arrhythmia in horses.
  • Studies reported findings like the occurrence of paroxymal AF during horse racing, and also described the changes in the ECG at the onset of AF during exercise.

Progress in Technology and New Insights

  • Developments in radiotelemetry systems facilitated the first ECG recordings in galloping horses in 1964, enabling the detection of arrhythmias and calculation of heart rate during exercise.
  • Studies detailed the comparative and developmental changes observed in equine ECGs, contributing to the understanding of equine cardiac function.

Future Research Directions

  • The research underscores the need for further studies on how aging influences cardiac and autonomic functions in horses.
  • Such studies could facilitate progress in equine electrocardiography and thereby contribute to improving the health and welfare of horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Hiraga A, Sugano S. (2015). History of research in Japan on electrocardiography in the racehorse. J Equine Sci, 26(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.26.1

Publication

Journal of equine science
ISSN: 1340-3516
NlmUniqueID: 9503751
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 26
Issue: 1
Pages: 1-13

Researcher Affiliations

Hiraga, Atsushi
  • Equine Research Institute of The Japan Racing Association, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan.
Sugano, Shigeru
  • Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 181-0001, Japan.

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