Evaluation of a smartphone‐based electrocardiogram device accuracy in field and in hospital conditions in horses

Abstract

BackgroundDue to compactness and cheapness, smartphone ECG (sECG) could be very useful to equine practitioners. However, previous studies have evaluated the accuracy of sECG in hospitalised horses only. Different conditions in the field could influence the accuracy of the device. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of sECG in field and in hospital conditions.MethodsThis is a prospective study. Paired standard base-apex ECG (stECG) and sECG were recorded in hospitalised horses and in subjects examined in field conditions. ECGs were analysed for heart rate and rhythm, presence/type of arrhythmias, presence/duration of artefacts, electrocardiographic waves and interval parameters by a blinded clinician. Statistical analysis evaluated the agreement between stECG and sECG and the differences in the prevalence of artefact in field and hospital conditions.ResultsNineteen (hospital) and 40 (field) paired ECGs were analysed. Agreement between stECG and sECG was found for heart rate and rhythm, evaluation of atrioventricular block and premature complexes, P wave and PQ interval duration, and QRS complex duration and polarity. No differences were found between artefacts recorded in hospital and in field conditions.ConclusionsECG is a feasible tool for evaluation of rhythm in horses and is as accurate in field as in ambulatory conditions.

Evaluation of a new portable 1-lead digital cardiac monitor (eKuore) compared with standard base-apex electrocardiography in healthy horses

“…The procedure requires an ECG machine, cables and electrodes, thus is not always practical to use in the field [2]. Recently, the use of smartphone ECG (spECG) devices has been reported in humans and animals and good accuracy for evaluation of heart rate and rhythm has been described [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. For the acquisition of SpECG readings in humans, the patient usually touches the electrodes of the device with the right and left hands, creating a recording similar to lead I in a 12-lead ECG [7].…”

Evaluation of Cardiac Arrhythmias before, during, and after Treadmill Exercise Testing in Poorly Performing Standardbred Racehorses

“…Sinoatrial (SA) block was recognized as the absence of the P wave and the QRS complex for a duration of twice the previous PP interval [ 23 , 24 ]. Second-degree atrioventricular (second-degree AV) block was diagnosed if the P wave was not associated with any following QRS complex with a double length of the RR interval [ 3 , 23 , 25 ]. The supraventricular premature complex was identified as an individual premature complex characterized by the presence of a QRS complex of normal configuration and followed by a non-compensatory pause [ 23 , 25 ].…”

“…Second-degree atrioventricular (second-degree AV) block was diagnosed if the P wave was not associated with any following QRS complex with a double length of the RR interval [ 3 , 23 , 25 ]. The supraventricular premature complex was identified as an individual premature complex characterized by the presence of a QRS complex of normal configuration and followed by a non-compensatory pause [ 23 , 25 ]. Supraventricular premature complexes post-exercise were distinguished from sinus arrhythmia when an underlying stable heart rate was interrupted by intermittent premature complexes [ 5 ].…”

“…Supraventricular premature complexes post-exercise were distinguished from sinus arrhythmia when an underlying stable heart rate was interrupted by intermittent premature complexes [ 5 ]. The ventricular premature complex was defined as an individual premature QRS and T complex with a configuration that differed from that of the sinus QRS and T complexes [ 23 , 24 , 25 ]. A QRS complex, not preceded by a P wave, was considered abnormal when changes in the relative size of the Q, R, or S waves produced changes in the configuration of the complex, or when the duration of the QRS complex varied [ 26 ].…”

“…A QRS complex, not preceded by a P wave, was considered abnormal when changes in the relative size of the Q, R, or S waves produced changes in the configuration of the complex, or when the duration of the QRS complex varied [ 26 ]. Most commonly, ventricular premature complexes were followed by a compensatory pause [ 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Supraventricular and ventricular complexes were considered premature when the RR interval decreased by more than 20% (during rest) or 10% (during exercise) at a distance from the previous RR interval [ 8 , 14 , 16 ].…”