Digitized cardiac potentials recorded with CR leads. Development of a portable electrocardiograph.

Abstract

This report describes the advantages of recording cardiac potentials in digital rather than in analog form and of using statistical methods that compare a patient's measurements with values measured in a normal population. In this study, expansion of the time axis in digitized electrocardiograms was used to accurately determine the moments when the Q, R, and S waves began and ended. This work is part of a plan to develop a portable electrocardiograph that could be available to physicians at all times. The immediate availability of such an instrument could shorten the time required to reach a diagnosis and institute treatment in cardiac emergencies occurring where diagnostic facilities are unavailable.