An electrocardiogram (ECG) simulator is a tool which simulates an ECG for cardiac rhythms. Usually, this tool is in the form of a software program or website. ECGs trace and record the electric pulse of the heart and are used to check for many different heart problems. The ECG simulator is typically used by medical students, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and medical professional as a study tool to help them identify different heart conditions by their ECG readings. In countries such as Germany, the term is elektrocardiagram, or EKG, but the basic function of the simulator is the same.
Some free ECG simulator programs are available on the Internet and provide a limited number of common ECG readings for heart problems. These problems can include heart murmurs, sinus arrhythmia and more. Other types of ECG simulator are available as software programs which can be purchased and then used on any computers which meet specifications. The program will display common ECG readings associated with the condition as well as the sounds produced to familiarize the student with them.
A student can use these tools to get better at identifying conditions very quickly based solely on ECG readings. Generally, a medical-grade ECG simulator will have many more conditions and options to study for a more in-depth tool. The simulator is not, however, intended to help the user replace a proper diagnosis from a doctor.
Most often, an ECG simulator will be used by students studying in any part of the medical field or by medical professionals themselves. This could include future doctors, nurses and EMTs. Learning to recognize common ECG readings quickly will typically make the student a much more adept medical professional and can even help her save lives later in her career. With the growing interest in self-diagnosis, however, some people with no association to the medical field may use ECGs in an attempt to determine conditions in themselves or loved ones.
ECGs are most commonly pictured when one thinks of serious conditions that require hospitalization, but they can be used in other ways as well. These machines can be used by medical professionals to help discover any number of heart and breathing conditions. Being able to correctly interpret the ECG readings is vital to a successful treatment plan for the patient.