A specimen's heartbeat is a standard measure of emotional response. The heart's response to stimuli is a widely used measure of emotional reaction. When we're scared or excited, our heart can beat faster than usual, and researchers can use this information to their advantage. Measuring heartbeats can provide a rich source of data for researchers in a wide range of fields of study.
How Can You Measure a Heartbeat?
The simplest way to measure a heartbeat is by taking a pulse. However, when the researchers used a heart's response as a variable, they require much more information. This is why people prefer electrocardiograms (ECGs) in research settings.
An ECG is used, primarily by cardiological researchers, to assess the heart's electrical and muscular functions. An ECG itself is not difficult to administer. A researcher places ten electrodes on an individual's body, in different positions that give an accurate reading of the heart, and the machine begins to record data associated with the heart's movements.
However, the difficulty arises when someone attempts to interpret an ECG's result on their own. ECG tracing is very complex, and interpreting the results requires thorough training and complicated machinery. Luckily, with some online tools, ECG analysis has been made easier.
Why is ECG Important?
As stated, ECGs tell us a lot about how our hearts work and respond to various situations. In particular, they help with research into conditions like arrhythmia, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, and stress.
ECG Analysis Software
Advances in technology mean that new software can now help researchers interpret the ECG results of the individuals that they are studying. The software can automatically detect and report on the different aspects of an ECG. This makes it easier for researchers to use ECG results. The software already marks discrepancies and interprets the meaning of the heart's movements. This also makes research faster, since the ECG analysis is done automatically by an algorithm, and helps to significantly reduce human error.
The software also stores all the research data as a back-up. This means that researchers can easily track and compare results within the software.
What ECG Analysis Software Offers
Modern ECG Analysis Software has become indispensable for serious research projects. These programs have features that facilitate academic research. Some of these features are:
- Analysis of real-time ECG results
- The option to choose a range of different specimen types. Some software has this option, allowing researchers to adapt the software for humans or animals.
- Beat Classification. This feature identifies ectopic beats and arrhythmia – marking them distinctly.
- Beat Averaging View. This feature reduces the effect of noise or other artificial intervention during the ECG.
- Table View. This allows researchers to calculate and record the results of an ECG in a simple table that can easily be read.
Features like these have aided cardiovascular research immensely. Researchers have numerous tools available that make interpreting ECGs easier, faster and much more accurate. The amount of training required to work with ECG, as a method of research, has also declined considerably.
