|
 Lively! Many small impulses show: man lives. As if he really were the microcosm he is considered to be by some primitive peoples, the base quantities can be observed in him. What is his age, his height, his weight and his temperature? To this an odd question can be added: what electrical voltages can be discovered on his body? The maximum of 10 millivolt certainly is not sufficient for lighting a bulb, but for more than 100 years it has allowed many important statements about the general state of health of heart and blood circulation to be made. The evaluation of the voltage signals has been ensured for a quarter of a century by computers with appropriate interpretation programs but as in the past they have to cope with important individual differences. In most cases the computer identifies aspects which deviate from the standard, so there is always enough qualifying work for the doctor. At the PTB, a comprehensive database is being developed which will provide the modern electrocardiograph with more profound diagnostic reference material.
Further Information:
PTB Section "Bioelectricity and Biomagnetism"
|
