Ears can be used for ECG to predict heart rhythm

Researchers have developed a novel electrocardiogram (ECG) method that uses signals from the ear to check heart rhythm, making it easy for drivers, athletes and persons in the military to scan their own heart beat.

This is the first study to show that the ear can be used for ECG signal detection, said researchers.

"Mobile ECG devices present a major opportunity to detect atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder, and thereby prevent strokes and reduce hospitalisations," said a researcher.

"All available portable ECG devices require both hands, but what if symptoms happen while driving?" he asked.

The study included 32 consecutive healthy volunteers (cardiology students and nurses). An ECG was first performed by the standard method, which uses the index and middle finger of each hand.

A second ECG was conducted using the index and middle finger of the left hand and a clip attached to the left ear.

All ECGs were printed and analysed by the device and by two cardiologists who were blinded to which method had been used. No differences were detected in the ECG results obtained by the two methods, the researchers said.

"We have shown how the ear can be used as an innovative anatomical site for ECG signal detection in healthy adults. We are now conducting further studies to validate this method in patients with cardiac arrhythmias," he said.

The authors said findings will pave the way for a new kind of single lead ECG wearable device, which leaves one hand free, making it easier to use.

Besides detecting previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, the device would be used to evaluate physical performance during exercise, prevent fainting and check the heart during symptoms including dizziness and breathlessness.

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Gene therapy can help correct heart rhythm disorder

A novel gene therapy uses an implanted LED device to reset a racing heart immediately and automatically, paving the way for pain-free treatment for patients with heart rhythm disorder.

The therapy detects fast arrhythmias in the atrium of a rat's heart and sends a signal to a LED device placed near the heart. 

"The flash of light from this LED then causes the heart to generate an electric current itself to halt the arrhythmia," said the lead author of the study.


"This is made possible by using gene therapy to introduce specific light-sensitive proteins into the heart. This restores the heart's normal rhythm immediately and automatically," he added.

According to the researchers, this could represent a great improvement on the current way of stopping atrial fibrillation.
 
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder in clinical practice. The current treatment, known as cardioversion, is based on administering an electric shock to the heart, which has to be done in the hospital under general anaesthesia because of pain.


For many patients, this is the only treatment to immediately stop atrial fibrillation because drugs or an operation are ineffective.




 "The bio-electronic defibrillator can stop atrial fibrillation without an electrical shock. In this way, the heart can be reset in a fully automated manner and at any time," he said recently.
 
"We anticipate that this treatment for atrial fibrillation could improve both the patient's quality of life and their prognosis," he added.

However, considerable research is still needed before a treatment can be arrived at that is suitable for human patients, the researchers noted.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

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