Patients Can Now Interpret Their Own ECG at Home
Researchers at Manchester University recently developed a simple technique that enables one to monitor his own electrocardiogram or ECG for drug-induced long QT syndrome, a life-threatening illness.
Before, an individual would need to go to the hospital for an ECG. There, a highly-trained clinician would interpret the results.
In this new study published in PLoS One in August, scientists found that if color is applied correctly, a patient then can easily monitor hospital-level health data at home.
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Patients Can Now Interpret Their Own ECG
Dr. Caroline Jay said, "For decades, we've assumed that only medical experts can interpret ECGs."
Now, however, there is evidence that if an ECG is displayed "the right way," a patient can easily interpret it.
Such a breakthrough could be valuable in examining the risk of a heart rhythm problem known as the long QT syndrome that takes place when the heart muscle is taking longer than the normal to recharge between beats.
In the new research, the study authors presented that it is simple, even for non-medical practitioners or patients, to understand their possibility of being at risk of the said heart syndrome.
Reduced Hospital Visits
Dr. Jay said, "Empowering people to understand and monitor their own ECG is a huge leap forward for public health, as it will reduce the number of times people have to go into hospital for routine check-ups, and ensure they get emergency medical attention as soon as they need it."
This newly developed technique works on a 'single lead' ECG, where the heart reading can be viewed using a smartwatch.
A spectrum of color is applied to the area below the ECG indicator from blue to red. Warmer colors indicate the higher long QT syndrome risk.
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Self-Monitoring
According to heart health experts, long QT syndrome typically does not cause symptoms, so the only way to detect it is through ECG.
Self-monitoring is specifically useful when an individual begins to take a new form of medication, as patients could quickly get in touch with doctors when a problem arises.
Currently, this present technique is being utilized as the basis, specifically for a new Artificial Intelligence approach that can automatically identify lengthening of QT intervals.
Long QT Syndrome
Long QT pertains to an irregular pattern which an ECG shows. A study explains that in every heartbeat, an electrical signal spreads from the top to the bottom of the heart.
As the signal travels, it leads the heart to pump blood. An ECG records the electrical signals as they travel through the heart.
The data recorded by the ECG are then mapped on a graph so the doctor can examine the electrical activity of the heart. Every heartbeat is mapped as P, Q, R, S, and T—the five distinct electrical waves.
Long QT syndrome or LQTS is a condition linked to the electrical activity of the heart. It can lead to sudden, uncontrollable dangerous arrhythmias resulting from stress or strenuous physical activity. Arrhythmias, on the other hand, are problems with the heartbeat's rhythm or rate.
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