Cardiologists utilize different medical equipment to evaluate a patient's condition, reach a diagnosis and properly treat the patient. The most commonly used cardiology equipment includes stethoscopes, electrocardiograms and echocardiogram machines.
Electrocardiogram Machines
Electrocardiograms, or EKGs or ECGs, record the electrical impulses your heart produces with each beat. By reviewing the electrical impulse pattern, your doctor can determine how your heart is functioning. EKG tests are painless and take only a few minutes.
Echocardiogram Machines
Echocardiograms use sonar imaging to reproduce an image of your heart and track the blood flowing through each chamber using ultrasound. Similar equipment is used to get a peek at a baby before it is born. Echocardiogram machines provide an accurate picture of your heart without being invasive.
Stethoscope
A stethoscope is probably the cardiologist's most recognizable piece of equipment. The bell end placed over the patient's heart enables the doctor to detect irregularities.
Blood Pressure Monitors
Blood pressure monitoring helps detect problems and can prevent future issues. Blood pressure can be taken manually or with an automatic electric monitor.
Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor is a small portable recorder worn for 24 hours that records the patient's heartbeat and detects abnormal rhythms.
Tags: your heart, Blood pressure
