- Researchers based in Australia and India recently published a study with their findings on developing improved electrodes for wearable heart monitors.
- The scientists researched options for developing a “dry” electrode, which they believed would provide benefits over the standard “wet” electrode.
- The researchers found that electrodes with gold films in a hexagonal labyrinth shape provided the most benefits.
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One way healthcare providers try to detect heart conditions or prevent deaths related to heart disease is to use electrocardiogram (ECG) units to track heart activity. Doctors are able to catch changes in heart activity on ECGs that may show evidence of an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia.
While some people wear ECG-capable smartwatches to monitor heart activity, doctors typically use in-office ECG machines or ask patients to use a standard wearable ECG device such as the Holter monitor.
With the standard wearable ECG monitor, the unit uses “wet” electrodes to measure heart activity. The electrode transmits signals through a gel.
The study authors believe there are drawbacks to wet electrodes and set out to create a “dry” electrode that does not rely on gel to transmit signals. Additionally, their device utilizes Bluetooth technology to send results to a smartphone app.
Their results appear in Applied Physics Reviews.
When healthcare providers suspect someone may have a heart condition or when someone complains of chest pain or heart palpitations, doctors may order an ECG to get a reading of the heart’s electrical activity.
In the clinical setting, providers place electrodes on the body and connect them to the ECG machine, with the test taking place over a few minutes.
Shorter ECGs performed in the office may not pick up on all heart issues, so providers may request their patients use a wearable ECG device.
Dr. Paul Drury, a board certified…
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