With an estimated reach of $1.83 billion by 2028, the global demand for portable EKG and EEG devices is expected to skyrocket. Due to the constant need for sophisticated monitoring systems, a couple of rising trends have emerged. All to increase the EKGs diagnostic value.
Many hospitals that have been using EKG management systems are upgrading to newer systems.
They have better software, interoperability, and integration. Here is a quick look at the EKG market and trends.
Portable EKG Market
Data indicates around 27% of Americans will own a portable EKG by 2024. Back in 2019, experts valued the diagnostic electrocardiograph market at $7.5 billion. But, analysts believe it can reach a staggering $10.3 billion by 2024. That’s a 6.4% CAGR, research shows.
Because of their practicality and convenience, wearable devices are becoming more popular. What’s driving the market growth are:
- increasing incidence of heart diseases;
- lifestyle changes;
- technological advancements.
Including the use of wearable devices and wireless monitoring.
Cardiovascular diseases account for 31% of global deaths.
This has bolstered the EKG market, providing physicians and patients with great quality devices.
Some experts estimate that the increasing geriatric population also has a major role to play. EKG abnormalities are common in the elderly. They increase with age and have a higher mortality risk. Based on recent reports, there are over 46 million adults older than 65 living in the U.S.
By 2050, experts believe that number will reach 90 million. Simply put, 1 in 5 Americans are expected to be over 65 years old by 2030. The portable EKG has multiple uses.
It can be a viable cardiac diagnostic test.
Because it can monitor the heart, it is a great tool for heart disease management in both older and younger patients.
Latest 2021 Trends in EKG Systems
Just like any other medical device, EKG tools have also evolved. Now they are more sophisticated and practical for regular use. Here are the latest trends that have revamped the EKG system.
1. Completely Digitalized Formats
In the last couple of years, EKGs moved from bulkier designs to practical EMR (electronic medical record) systems. The older versions provided paper printouts. But, with the use of an IT interface, EKG digitally stores waveforms. That means it can work well in paperless hospitals.
The latest EKGs made it much easier to store patients’ medical features. They are a practical choice.
The latest EKGs use waveform analysis algorithms. As well as electronic storage and data communication.
That’s why digital EKG monitoring is now a standard feature for CVIS (cardiovascular information systems).
2. AI Integration
AI is a focal point of healthcare. Like many other facets, artificial intelligence can come in handy for EKG waveforms.
It can find patients susceptible to developing life-threatening arrhythmia.
All of that by taking a deeper dive to collect data from waveforms.
AI can find information that may not be that obvious for an experienced reader. New algorithms can also take AI to the next level and provide the next EKG generation systems with better options.
For instance, UPOlife portable EKG monitors combine easy-to-use devices with application and CE-marked cloud-based AI analytics, which altogether can:
- Perform a medical-grade ECG reading;
- Evaluate the QRS complex and many other ECG parameters;
- Asses Heart Rate Variability (HRV) data and calculate stamina, emotional, stress, and fatigue scores;
- Calculate the risk of heart disorders.
On top of that UPOlife is capable of adjusting patients’ results based on their personal baseline. Data acquired in reading is transferred to a cloud-based algorithm system, which replies with predictions, recommendations, and health analysis for the patient and serves as a decision support tool for doctors.
3. New Energy and Frequency Information
HeartSciences, a start-up company, is focusing on creating a novel EKG system capable of providing users with a new way of assessing the heart. The medical community has been using basic electrical activity waveforms for a century. Instead of these waveforms, the new system will use the continuous wavelet transform. It can offer new energy and frequency information.
The waveforms depicted in different colors can pinpoint cardiac relaxation abnormalities. These abnormalities may have something to do with the left ventricular diastolic function. Although more research is necessary, it seems there are plenty of opportunities for growth.
4. Open Platform Standards
A couple of years ago, massive hospitals had one big problem. It was the insufficient interoperability between EKG management systems and EKG systems. Most functioned by relying on proprietary programming.
Recently, vendors have moved toward open platforms to get a better interface.
These platform standards are much easier to manage, making them a practical alternative to old-school EKG systems.
5. Apps and Mobile Devices
Portable EKG and handheld EKG devices are gaining momentum. With the introduction of smartphone apps and mobile devices, a number of patients have decided to use a heart monitor at home.
The apps make it easy to interpret the device, allowing patients to better understand their condition.
The data collected is then sent to a doctor, which can help build a perfect picture of the user’s cardiac history. Those who often struggle with heart problems can make the most of a device such as this. This technology exists to help patients take care of their heart health. It serves as a patient record, which people can later use to get a proper diagnosis.
6. EKG Lead Placement Help
Inadequate lead placements in hospitals could cause poor EKGs. Schiller has offered a solution with the EKG system known as Cardiovit FT-1. The system provides a 3D rendering of the patient, which helps the physician know exactly where to place the lead.
Users can rotate the 3D images for extra vision, while the touch screen provides movability and convenience. The whole purpose of a product like this is to ensure accuracy and speed when visualizing leads.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to portable EKG systems, there is a chance for growth. Data analysts expect the EKG market to grow for the next couple of years. Given the latest trends and boost in practicality and convenience, many patients and physicians are eager to use a device such as this. Knowing the newest trends and market size can give you a detailed picture of what to expect. So far, the EKG market is on the right track. With enough time, it can leave an even bigger impact.
