What is ECG or Electrocardiography 

A basic understanding of ECG and electrocardiogram machines are essential before getting into further details. In medical practice, the heart's electrical activity is measured and recorded using electrodes placed on certain spots on the body. To record the activity, electrodes or sensors connected to a monitor are attached to specific positions in the body. The recorded activity is printed as a graph on paper and is called an electrocardiogram, and the process is called an electrocardiogram. The medical equipment used here is an electrocardiogram machine or ECG machine. ECG is an essential piece of equipment in any health facility. It provides crucial information about the heart's health so doctors can develop appropriate treatment plans by identifying abnormalities.

Types of ECG Machines 

Depending upon factors like the symptoms and heart problems suspected, where it is to be used etc., there are three major ECG machine types. 
A resting ECG is one in which the patient will lie down and is a quick, simple, and non-invasive test. 
An ambulatory ECG can be used by someone while performing their day-to-day activities. The portable device will be fastened to the patient's body and is helpful for people with intermittent symptoms.
Stress/ Exercise ECG can monitor the heart's conditions during physical activities like using a bike or treadmill.
 

Features to Compare 

Now let's check some key features to consider when comparing ECG machines. You can make an informed decision while selecting the suitable ECG machine for your needs.

Channel 

ECG machines commonly come in single-channel, 3-channel, 6-channel or 12-channel configurations. Channels in ECG machines are not the same as electrodes. In a 3-channel ECG, signals from the 12-leads are grouped into 4 sets of 3 and processed. Similarly, a 6-channel ECG groups them into 2 sets, and a 12-channel device processes all 12 leads simultaneously. In short, ECG recording would be faster as the number of channels increases. 

Screen Size 

ECG machines with various screen sizes are available, and you should choose one depending on what your priority is; compactness or visibility convenience. 

Storage and Printing 

An ECG machine with sufficient storage space for keeping waveforms will enable easy retrieval, transmission, or printing of the data at a later time. 
Also, check if the machine comes with a printer. For the printer, consider its printing speed and if options for plain paper and graph paper are available.  

Charging Speed And Battery Capacity 

How fast the device charges its battery and the capacity of the battery are some specifications to consider before purchase. The device must be able to work on battery and power, even without interruption, if the power is disconnected. 

Connectivity 

Check for appropriate connectivity options so the electrocardiogram machine can communicate with other devices like computers and LAN.

The above discussed are the most essential and general features to compare ECG machines. However, someone with better technical knowledge can look for other features before choosing an ECG machine. Check for options like audio-visual alarms for different heart rates, interpretation software, last ECG recall, print preview and more. 

In conclusion, considering the critical role of ECG in healthcare, choosing the best machine is of utmost importance. By comparing as many features as possible, you can make a more informed decision and choose an ECG machine. Take the time to evaluate and compare the features thoroughly, as each element significantly ensures accurate diagnoses and effective patient care.