Open AccessEvaluation of a smartphone‐based electrocardiogram device accuracy in field and in hospital conditions in horses
Author(s) -
Alberti Elena,
Stucchi Luca,
Pesce Valeria,
Stancari Giovanni,
Ferro Elisabetta,
Ferrucci Francesco,
Zucca Enrica
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
veterinary record open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.504
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2052-6113
pISSN - 2399-2050
DOI - 10.1136/vetreco-2020-000441
Subject(s) - qrs complex , ambulatory , medicine , electrocardiography , heart rate , ambulatory ecg , cardiology , rhythm , heart rhythm , blood pressure
Background Due 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. Methods This 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. Results Nineteen (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. Conclusion sECG is a feasible tool for evaluation of rhythm in horses and is as accurate in field as in ambulatory conditions.