Analysis Of Causes Of Abnormal ECG Results
Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic technology that records the electrophysiological activity of the heart in time through the body wall, captured and recorded by electrodes in contact with the skin, and is commonly used in clinical diagnosis of heart disease. The overall goal of performing an ECG is to obtain information about the electrical function of the heart. The medical uses of this information are varied and often need to be interpreted in conjunction with knowledge of heart structure and physical signs.
The standard ECG is a 12-lead (leads) system, that is, 12 leads ECG, is the use of 12 leads located in the front and horizontal plane, record the electrical physiological activity of the heart in 12 different directions, can observe the depolarization wave from 12 different angles, and then judge the location of the myocardial damage according to the changes in the ECG. On paper, the 12 signals are usually arranged in four columns and three rows. The first column records the limb leads (I leads, II leads, and III leads). The second column records the pressurized unipolar limb leads (aVR,aVL, and aVF), and the last two columns record the chest leads (V1-V6).
However, sometimes this arrangement is not used, so it is very important to check the label of each lead. The 3 lead signals in each column are usually recorded and printed at the same time, and after a few cardiac cycles, go to the next column and start recording the 3 leads below. The heart rhythm may change as different columns are recorded. The length of each lead record can be short, usually only 1 to 3 heart cycles (depending on how fast or slow the heart rate is), so analyzing heart rate changes based on these images can be difficult. Therefore, 1 to 2 "rhythm bands" are often printed in the ECG record. The rhythm band usually selects 2 leads (this lead can most clearly display the ventricular electrical signal and P-wave), and shows the change of the heart rhythm throughout the ECG recording (usually 5 to 6 seconds). The rhythm band is also used for on-screen output during continuous ECG monitoring.
With this in mind, an abnormal ECG reading can have a number of causes, including:
1. Irregular heart rate
The human heart usually beats 60-100 times per minute. A heart beating faster or slower than that can indicate an underlying problem with the patient's heart. Based on this, the doctor will want to conduct additional tests to find out the underlying cause.
2. Irregular heartbeat
3. Arrhythmia refers to a fast or slow heartbeat that exceeds the normal range. Tachycardia, bradycardia, or arrhythmia caused by abnormal automaticity or conduction of the heart. Mental tension, heavy smoking, drinking alcohol, drinking strong tea or coffee, excessive fatigue, serious insomnia are often induced factors of arrhythmia; Arrhythmias are particularly common in patients with heart disease and often occur during or after anesthesia, surgery, or surgery. An abnormal electrocardiogram of the shape of the heart gives doctors an idea of how well the heart is working in each specific area. Abnormal ECG test results may indicate that one area or part of the heart is larger or thicker than others. This can indicate that there may be some abnormality in the shape of the patient's heart, and treatment can be taken early.
For example, a thickening of the heart can mean that the heart is trying too hard to pump blood. This may be due to congenital or acquired heart conditions.
4. Electrolyte imbalance
Micronutrients such as electrolyte minerals are important for overall health, they also play a role in heart health, and even the presence or excess of these micronutrients can lead to abnormal ECG results.
Electrolytes help conduct electricity in the body and help keep heart rate and rhythm consistent. An imbalance of electrolyte minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium or magnesium can lead to abnormal readings and waveforms in the ECG.
5. Drug side effects
Some drugs have mechanisms of action that can cause abnormal readings in the ECG. All patients who are tested should discuss any medications they are taking with their doctor prior to the test. Or check the list of side effects provided on the medication's packaging. Some medications that help balance heart rhythms may actually cause abnormal heart rhythms in some people. These drugs include certain beta blockers and sodium channel blockers. If a doctor believes that the type of medication a person is taking may be causing their symptoms, they may suggest alternative medications and follow up with a review to see how the individual responds to the new medication.
In the analysis process after the electrocardiogram examination, if the patient's test results do appear abnormal, the doctor will also carry out targeted treatment according to different circumstances. The doctor's treatment depends on the underlying problem. If a doctor suspects that an abnormal ECG is the result of normal variations in the human heart, they may recommend no treatment and only regular check-ups.
If an examination and review of your daily medication indicates that one drug is causing the abnormal reading, your doctor may recommend an alternative medication. If doctors suspect an electrolyte imbalance is the cause, they may recommend that the patient take a fluid or medication that contains electrolytes.
In general, there are many conditions that may lead to abnormal data and waveforms in the electrocardiogram results of the human body, in this case, it should be discussed with the medical staff based on their own circumstances, and further monitoring can be conducted if necessary to confirm the root cause.
Disposable EEG sensor: A breakthrough in neuroscience
With the continuous advancement of science and technology, brain-computer interface technology is increasingly becoming one of the focuses in the field of medicine and science. In this field, the emergence of disposable EEG sensors has attracted widespread attention. This innovative neuroscience research tool can provide medical staff and researchers with a more convenient and accurate way to collect brain electrical signals, thereby promoting the rapid development of the medical field and neuroscience.
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a method used to detect and record the electrical activity of the brain. It can help diagnose and analyze some brain diseases, such as epilepsy, encephalitis, brain tumors, etc. An electroencephalogram is performed by installing some electrodes on the scalp and then using an instrument to amplify and display the electrical impulses of the brain cells. The results of EEG are some waveform lines, which can reflect the functional status and abnormal changes of the brain. A disposable EEG sensor is a device that can collect electrical signals from the brain through electrodes on the skin surface or scalp without surgery. . This new type of sensor is favored by scientific research institutions and the medical field for its portability, ease of use, and low cost.
The advent of disposable EEG sensors has expanded the application fields of brain-computer interface technology. It can be used in brain-computer interface technology, which uses the brain's electrical signals to control external devices, or uses external devices to regulate brain activity. The main connections between disposable EEG sensors and brain-computer interface technology are as follows:
l Disposable EEG sensors can provide a non-invasive or minimally invasive way to connect brain-computer interfaces, avoiding the surgical risks and complications of invasive brain-computer interfaces, and also reducing costs and maintenance difficulties.
l Disposable EEG sensors can improve the signal quality and stability of the brain-computer interface because it can reduce the impedance between the skin and the electrodes, improve the signal-to-noise ratio, and avoid the displacement and fall-off of the electrodes to ensure the continuity of the signal. .
l Disposable EEG sensors can increase the flexibility and portability of brain-computer interfaces, because they can select different number and positions of electrodes according to different application scenarios and needs, and can also be easily replaced and discarded without complex cleaning. and disinfection process.
l Disposable EEG sensors can expand the application scope and fields of brain-computer interfaces, because they can be applied to more people and environments, such as the elderly, children, athletes, etc., and can also be used in homes, hospitals, schools, factories, etc. places to realize more functions and services, such as health monitoring, rehabilitation training, entertainment games, intelligent control, etc.
Compared with traditional EEG acquisition equipment, disposable EEG sensors have obvious advantages. First, its low cost enables more research institutions and medical institutions to purchase and use it, promoting basic research and clinical applications in brain science. Secondly, the portability of primary EEG sensors allows researchers to conduct experiments in a more natural environment, obtain more realistic EEG signals, and provide data with more reference value for research.
Disposable EEG sensors have achieved a series of successful cases in the fields of medicine and scientific research. In the medical field, EEG is established as the gold standard diagnostic procedure for the diagnosis of epilepsy. After disposable brain electrodes are used for long-term EEG monitoring of patients with epilepsy, they can provide doctors with more comprehensive information about the patient's condition and provide strong support for the formulation of treatment plans. In terms of scientific research, disposable EEG sensors are widely used in brain-computer interface research, laying the foundation for establishing a closer connection between humans and machines.
As an innovation in brain-computer interface technology, disposable EEG sensors show broad development prospects. With the continuous advancement of materials science, electronic technology and neuroscience, it is believed that disposable EEG sensors will achieve greater breakthroughs in the future. More advanced materials and processes will further improve the stability and sensitivity of sensors, and more complex signal processing algorithms will lead to more in-depth research on brain function. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology, disposable EEG sensors are expected to become an important engine for the development of neuroscience research and brain-computer interface technology, promoting mankind's deeper understanding of the mysteries of the brain.
The 32nd Russian International Medical Exhibition in 2023
The 32nd Russian International Medical Exhibition in 2023
ZDRAVOOKHRANENIYE
Exhibition time: December 04-08, 2023
Exhibition location: Exhibition location: Moscow Exhibition Center, Russia
Expocentre Fairgrounds,Krasnopresnenskaya nab..14
The Moscow Medical and Rehabilitation Exhibition Zdravookhraneniye, Russia, is organized by the Russian ZAO Exhibition Co., Ltd. The exhibition is held once a year. The exhibition is also a very important platform for companies to open up the Russian market. Since its establishment in 1974, ZAO Company has successfully held many The exhibition has been organized for 42 years, attracting more than 3,000 companies from more than 40 countries to participate in its various exhibitions, and receiving more than 1.3 million visitors.
Since 2003, the exhibition organizers have been holding salons on X-ray diagnostic equipment, new treatment equipment, pharmaceutical products and food-assisted treatments, pharmaceutical technology, etc. at the exhibition, so exhibitors and visitors have the opportunity to see the latest instrument displays. Emerging technologies and the initial manufacturing process of pharmaceuticals, etc.
The last ZDravookhraneniye exhibition in Moscow, Russia attracted 700 exhibitors. The international medical, diagnostic, laboratory and pharmaceutical, and rehabilitation exhibition ZDRAVOOKHRANENIYE' is the largest, most professional and most influential medical exhibition in Russia. This exhibition It has all the quality certificates of international exhibition organizations, such as UFI - International Exhibition Union, RUFF - Russian Exhibition Union certification.
The results of the Decade’s current year will be traditionally summed up at Russian Health Care Week 2023, which will be held from 4 through 8 December 2023 at EXPOCENTRE Fairgrounds, Moscow.
We, Shenzhen Pray-Med Tech Co., Ltd., are also among them,welcome to visit us。
Medical market forecast: Chinese products are very popular in Russia, which is the best time for Chinese companies to explore the Russian market. It is understood that Russia’s total medical consumption has reached nearly 15 billion US dollars. With Russia officially becoming the 156th member of the World Trade Organization, the medical market is predicted to develop rapidly at a growth rate of 25% to 30%.
Although Russia has a large demand for medical products, its domestic medical industry has developed slowly, and medical demand is inversely proportional to production capacity. In the Russian Far East, imported medical products account for 80% of the medical market. Among new specialty drugs, imported drugs account for a larger proportion, and these best-selling imported drugs mainly come from 12 countries including Poland, Germany, Austria, and Bulgaria. The Russian market has a huge demand for drugs, medical devices and pharmaceutical equipment for the treatment of hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, hepatobiliary disease and other diseases. At present, Russia mainly relies on large-scale imports of drugs and medical equipment from the West, and the prices are relatively high. Therefore, the high-quality and low-cost medical products produced in my country have certain competitive advantages in the Russian market, and the prospects are promising.
We are waiting for you at Russia-Moscow Central Exhibition Center。
MEDICA 2023 - The International Trade Fair For Medical Technology And Products
MEDICA 2023 - MEDICA trade fair in Germany
公司/Company:
ShenZhen Prey-Med Tech Co.,Ltd.
时间/Dates:
13 - 16 November 2023
Monday - Thursday 10.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m
地点/Location:
Messe Disseldorf
Stockumer KirchstraBe 61, 40474 Dusseldorf, Germany
MEDICA 2023, the renowned international trade fair dedicated to medical technology and products. This exciting event will be held in Düsseldorf from 13 to 16 November 2023,where a wide range of innovations and cutting-edge solutions in the field of medical and medical technology will be exhibited.
We are excited to announce that Pray-Med will be an active participant in the event, showing our SpO2 sensors, ECG, EKG & EEG cable with lead wires, finger oximeter, temperature probes, blood pressure cuff & tubes, blood pressure transducers & connecting cable, EEG and EMG electrodes, ESU pencil & grounding pad, medical connector,mold making, medical cable & power cord, clinical experiment services & pressure infusion bag etc. Our products are widely used in monitors such as ECG, oximeter, electrocardiograph, holter, electroencephalograph, B- ultrasound & fetal monitoring etc. As a reliable partner, Pray-Med With wide product ranges, our products are perfectly compatible with most of import & domestic brands & models and we can provide OEM/ODM service to meet customers' special needs.
You are cordially invited to visit us during MEDICA 2023.
MEDICA is the largest event for the medical industry worldwide. For more than 40 years, it hasbeen a fixed event in the calendar of all experts. The unique position of MEDICA can bemeasured by many features: Firstly, the event is the world's largest medical trade fair of all - withseveral thousand exhibitors from more than 50 nations in the exhibition halls! in additionevery year outstanding personalities from business, research and politics honour the first-classevent with their presence - naturally alongside tens of thousands of national and internationaexperts and decision-makers from the industry like you as a trade visitor, ln Diisseldorf, you canexpect not only an extensive exhibition but also a sophisticated program, which togetherrepresent the complete spectrum of innovations for outpatient and clinical care.
The "MEDICA Forums and Conferences" are an integral part of the trade fair. MEDICA offers freeforums, distributed throughout the exhibition halls, as well as interesting special shows andactivities. These include MEDICA CONNECTED HEALTHCARE FORUM with MEDICA START-UPCOMPETITION,MEDICA HEALTH IT FORUM, MEDICA ECON FORUM, MEDICA TECH FORUMand MEDICA LABMED FORUM. Conferences include the German Hospital Day (the leadingcommunication platform for decision-makers in German hospitals), the MEDICA MEDICINE +SPORTS CONFERENCE and the lnternational Conference on Disaster and Military Medicine(DiMiMED). Another highlight is the MEDICA START-UP PARK, where young innovativecompanies present the trends of the future in medical technology.
Study on the accuracy of readings of blood oxygen sensors placed on the wrists and ankles of newborns
With the continuous advancement of technology in neonatal intensive care units, blood oxygen probes have become an important tool for monitoring the health status of newborns. It assesses the respiratory and circulatory system functions of infants by measuring the oxygen saturation (SpO₂) in the blood. Blood oxygen probes are usually placed on the palms or soles of newborns. However, due to the delicate skin and low blood flow of newborns, measurements in these areas are sometimes limited. Therefore, researchers began to explore other possible probe placement sites, including wrists and ankles.
In neonatal care, accurate oxygen saturation measurement is essential for timely detection and treatment of possible respiratory or circulatory problems. The basic principle of blood oxygen probe is to measure the proportion of oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood through a photoelectric sensor. Since the vascular structure and skin characteristics of newborns are different from those of adults, measurements at different locations may affect the accuracy of the results. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to explore the feasibility and accuracy of placing probes at the wrists and ankles.
Based on the study by Phattraprayoon et al. in 2011, this paper aims to compare the blood oxygen concentration measurement results of the wrist and the palm of the same side, and the ankle and the sole of the same side in newborns. By analyzing the correlation and consistency between these different measurement sites, it is evaluated whether the wrist and ankle can be used as effective alternative measurement sites.
The study involved 150 newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. The researchers used blood oxygen probes to measure SpO₂ on the palm and ipsilateral wrist, and on the sole and ipsilateral ankle. Measurements were taken at the beginning, 30 seconds, and 1 minute. Using statistical methods, such as regression analysis and Bland-Altman plots, the research team analyzed the relationship between paired blood oxygen concentration measurements and calculated the mean difference and standard deviation.
The study found a high correlation between SpO₂ measurements at the palms and wrists, and similarly, significant correlations between measurements at the soles of the feet and ankles. These results show that wrist and ankle measurement readings are in good agreement with traditional palm and sole readings.
Through the calculation and data analysis of the research results, whether it is the wrist or ankle, the difference and accuracy of the blood oxygen concentration measurement results at the wrist and ankle are within a reasonable range and can meet the clinical monitoring requirements.
Using the wrist and ankle as sites for blood oxygen probe placement has several potential advantages in clinical monitoring. First, the skin in these areas is thicker and blood flow is relatively high, potentially providing more stable readings. Second, the wrist and ankle provide additional options for those infants with limitations on the palms and soles of the feet, such as skin lesions, injuries, or positional limitations. Additionally, in emergency situations, obtaining SpO₂ readings quickly and accurately is critical for medical decision-making. By increasing the choice of measurement sites, medical staff can respond to various situations more flexibly.
However, the research also points to potential limitations. For example, because the wrists and ankles are measured further eccentrically than the palms and soles of the feet, they may be affected by external factors such as temperature changes and external pressure. Furthermore, the choice of measurement site may need to be tailored to individual circumstances. For example, premature infants may require special attention due to their incompletely developed skin and vascular systems.
Taken together, this study provides valuable data on pulse oximetry measurements at the wrist and ankle of neonates. The results showed good agreement between wrist and ankle SpO₂ measurements and traditional palm and sole results. Based on these findings, the wrist and ankle can serve as effective alternative measurement sites, especially when traditional sites are unavailable or difficult to measure. Future studies can further explore the applicability of these measurement sites in different clinical situations to optimize monitoring methods in neonatal care.
The 88th China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF)2023
◆Shenzhen Pray-Med Tech Co.Ltd
◆position number:15L36
◆Conference time: October 28-31, 2023
◆Meeting location: Shenzhen, China,
Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Center (Baoan)
◆Meeting Introduction:
CMEF (full name: China International Medical Equipment Fair) was founded in 1979. It is held twice a year in spring and autumn, including exhibitions and forums. After more than 40 years of accumulation and precipitation, the exhibition has now developed into an internationally leading global event covering the entire medical device industry chain, integrating product technology, new product launches, procurement trade, brand communication, scientific research cooperation, academic forums, and education and training. Comprehensive service platform. The exhibition content covers tens of thousands of product technologies and services across the entire industry chain including medical imaging, medical testing, in vitro diagnostics, medical light and medical electronics, hospital construction, smart medical care, and smart wearable products. In order to give full play to the leading role of the comprehensive platform, the organizers have innovatively launched more than 30 subdivided industry clusters at the exhibition site in recent years, including artificial intelligence, CT, nuclear magnetic resonance, operating room, molecular diagnosis, POCT, rehabilitation engineering, rehabilitation assistive devices, and medical ambulances. Focus on displaying the latest scientific and technological achievements in the industry.
Up to now, the exhibition attracts more than 7,000 medical device companies from more than 30 countries and regions around the world to participate in the exhibition every year, more than 2,000 industry academic experts and business elites, and 200,000 government procurement agencies and hospital buyers from more than 100 countries and regions around the world. Professional audiences such as dealers and agents came to visit and purchase and exchange experiences.
Welcome, we are waiting for you at 15L36
What Are the Factors Affecting EKG Devices Negatively?
Electrocardiography (electro-cardio-graphy = EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity and rhythm of the heart. The medical device used for this test is the EKG device. These devices facilitate the examination of the physician by converting the electrical signals into a graphical form. It can be used both in family health centers and hospitals, as well as in workplace medicine. Recently, EKG devices are used even in homes. Special devices called EKG holters stay connected to the patient for 24 hours and record the electrical activity of the heart. It is often used by cardiologists. There are also devices available in hospitals and cardiology centers where a patient's EKG is tested on a treadmill, known as a cardiac stress test. These are called stress EKGs. It is very important that there is no interference in the test for the correct interpretation of the graphics resulting from the test. EKG devices are very sensitive to electromagnetic fields. For this reason, regardless of the brand model, there is a possibility of interference in the outputs of the devices. The factors that negatively affect the devices can be prevented by some precautions to be taken. The factors that negatively affect EKG devices can be examined under five main headings.
Can Incorrect Placement of Electrodes Cause Incorrect Measurement?
Due to incorrect placement of the ECG electrodes, the direction of the test plot may appear upside down and results may therefore be misinterpreted. Reverse connection of electrodes, especially placed on arms and legs, can cause this condition. After the electrodes are connected, they need to be checked. In addition, the electrodes placed on the chest wall must be positioned correctly. Otherwise, erroneous or parasitic results may occur. Incorrect electrode placement is common. It is a problem that can be easily corrected by returning the electrodes placed on both the chest (V1-V6 electrodes placed on the rib cage) and the extremities to the correct position as soon as the error is noticed.
What are the Conditions Affecting Electrical Activity?
EKG devices, which are based on measuring the electrical activity of the heart, are adversely affected by electromagnetic fields. Especially other equipment in the ECG room and electrical cables inside the wall can disrupt the ECG signals. The thick and vibrating isoelectric line in the graph, which is normally expected to be straight despite the electrodes being connected correctly, indicates that the signals are affected. The isoelectric line is the line that lies between the waves on the EKG chart and is normally a straight line. Since this problem may occur due to other devices connected to wall electrical outlets, devices that do not require continuous use should be unplugged to solve the problem. In addition, performing the test by placing the patient and the ECG device away from other devices can prevent interference. Apart from this, metal accessories on the person undergoing EKG testing may also cause interference. It is beneficial to remove accessories such as belt buckles, rings, necklaces, earrings and watches during the test.
How Does the Activity of Skeletal Muscles Affect the ECG Result?
Electrical signals may be more intense when the person being tested feels uncomfortable, has muscle tension, moves or talks. Moving skeletal muscles can generate electrical signals that can be detected by EKG devices. In addition, muscle vibrations due to Parkinson's disease, anxiety and tremor can also cause parasite formation. Muscle activities in the body can be detected by spike-like or bumpy fluctuations on the isoelectric line. Shifts in the isoelectric line may occur due to the movement of the chest wall during breathing. The fact that the patient does not move or speak makes the test result more accurate.
Does Weak Signal Transmission Affect the EKG Test?
The correctness of the position of the electrodes as well as the skin contact should be sufficient. Otherwise, it may cause interference in the test result. The presence of dirt, oil, sweat, hair or dead skin cells in the area of the electrodes adversely affects the contact. In order to provide better signal transmission, it is necessary to clean the skin and apply sufficient gel to the electrodes. Another reason for poor signal transmission is cables. Cracks and breaks in the cables or electrode cables used in EKG devices adversely affect the signal transmission. Also, tension in cables can cause poor signal transmission. In cases where there is no signal transmission due to the cable, the electrical activity recorded by the electrodes is seen as a dotted line as a result of the test. In this case, checking the cables and electrodes and replacing them if necessary will solve the problem.
How Does the Quality and Durability of the EKG Device Affect the Test Result?
Electronic cards, sensors and accessories on the devices may affect the measurement results. The quality of the software is as important as the hardware of the devices. Some devices prevent interference thanks to algorithms developed as software. Choosing high quality and proven brands prevents many problems that may occur. Especially in second-hand ECG devices, problems with signal transmission can be seen. Interference with these devices may be caused by the device and cables. In particular, the wear of the cables over time can adversely affect the measurement results. For this reason, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the device and accessories when buying a second-hand ECG device. Choosing reliable vendors in this regard prevents potential problems.
New 10: Asymptomatic, Mild Illness Can Be At Home, Cross Regional Flow Without Checking The Health Code, Do Not Need To Land Inspection
Member units of the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism (Leading group and headquarters) of all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps for COVID-19 response, and the mechanism of The State Council for COVID-19 Response:
Recently, all localities and departments have thoroughly implemented the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and The State Council, adhered to the ninth edition of the prevention and control plan, implemented 20 optimization measures, and continued to rectify the problem of increasing layers, with positive results. In light of the current epidemic situation and the mutation of the virus, in order to make the prevention and control work more scientific and precise, and effectively solve the outstanding problems in the prevention and control work, we hereby notify the following matters concerning further optimization and implementation of the epidemic prevention and control measures:
First, scientifically and accurately delineate risk areas. High risk zones shall be delimited according to building, unit, floor and household, and shall not be arbitrarily extended to residential districts, communities, streets (towns) and other areas. No form of temporary containment shall be adopted.
Second, further optimize nucleic acid detection. Nucleic acid testing will not be carried out by all personnel in administrative regions, and the scope and frequency of nucleic acid testing will be further reduced. Antigen testing may be carried out according to the needs of epidemic prevention. Employees in high-risk positions and personnel in high-risk areas shall undergo nucleic acid testing in accordance with relevant regulations, and other personnel are willing to be fully tested. Except for nursing homes, welfare homes, medical institutions, nursing homes, primary and secondary schools and other special places, they are not required to provide a negative nucleic acid test certificate and do not check the health code. Important organs, large enterprises and some specific places can determine their own prevention and control measures. The negative nucleic acid test certificate and health code will no longer be checked for trans-regional mobile workers, and landing inspections will no longer be carried out.
Third, optimize and adjust the isolation mode. Infected people should be treated in a scientific manner. Asymptomatic infected people and mild cases who are qualified for home isolation are generally quarantined at home, or they can voluntarily choose to be placed in centralized isolation and treatment. Health monitoring should be strengthened during home isolation, and the Ct value of nucleic acid detection should be ≥35 for two consecutive times on the sixth and seventh day of isolation. Patients with worsening conditions should be transferred to designated hospital for treatment in time. Close contacts who are qualified for home quarantine should be quarantined at home for 5 days, or they can voluntarily choose to be quarantined at a centralized level, and be released after a negative nucleic acid test on the fifth day.
Fourth, we will implement the "fast sealing and quick solution" for high-risk areas. If there is no high risk of new infection for 5 consecutive days, it should be unsealed in time.
Fifth, we will ensure the people's basic demand for medicine. Local pharmacies should operate normally and not be shut down at will. People should not be restricted from purchasing over-the-counter medicines such as antipyretic, cough, antiviral and cold medicines online or offline.
Sixth, accelerate the vaccination of the elderly against COVID-19. Local governments should adhere to the principle of full coverage, focus on raising the vaccination rate of people aged 60-79, and speed up the increase of the vaccination rate of people aged 80 and above, and make special arrangements. Through the establishment of green channels for the elderly, temporary vaccination sites, mobile vaccination vehicles and other measures to optimize vaccination services. Training on inoculation contraindications should be carried out step by step to guide medical staff to determine inoculation contraindications scientifically. The whole society should be mobilized to participate in the mobilization of the elderly to vaccinate. Local governments can take incentive measures to mobilize the initiative of the elderly to vaccinate.
Seventh, we will strengthen the health survey and classified management of key groups. We will give full play to the role of grassroots medical and health institutions as "gatekeepers" for the health of family doctors, get a clear picture of the elderly with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, COPD, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, tumors, immune deficiency and other diseases and their vaccination status, and promote graded and classified management.
Hypertensive "heart" knowledge
Mention hypertension, we all know, to regularly monitor blood pressure, pay close attention to blood pressure changes, but the vast majority of people do not know is that hypertension patients in addition to monitoring blood pressure, but also pay attention to regular monitoring of the ECG!
Why should hypertension measure ECG?
Hypertension is the most common chronic noninfectious disease, and also the largest cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. At present, cardiovascular death accounts for more than 40% of the total deaths, among which 50% of myocardial infarction is related to hypertension, and 40%~50% of heart failure is due to hypertension. For patients with a long history of hypertension, if hypertension is not controlled for a long time, it will increase the heart load. Over time, the heart muscle will be hypertrophy, oxygen consumption will increase, resulting in myocardial strain and myocardial ischemia, and long-term development may lead to coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, cardiac insufficiency, heart failure and other conditions. And heart abnormalities may also lead to inaccurate blood pressure measurements!
"Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus on Heart Rate Management in Hypertensive Patients in China (2021 edition)" points out that when arrhythmia, especially atrial fibrillation, pulse palpation, electronic sphygmomanometer or ambulate blood pressure measurement may cause errors, and patients are advised to use home automatic sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure while recording heart rate.
Therefore, through the monitoring of electrocardiogram, the abnormal condition of the heart can be diagnosed in time, but also can reflect the condition of the patient's blood pressure, to provide a favorable basis for diagnosis and treatment.
What signal does hypertension cause heart disease?
1. Cyanosis
High blood pressure will seriously affect their own circulatory system, because the blood is not smooth, there will be local ischemia and hypoxia. If the location of the lesion is in the heart, it may cause obvious symptoms of the whole body and limbs, including the blueness of the skin mucous membranes and the extremities.
2. Short of breath
In light activity or immobility, breathing difficulties or shortness of breath and other conditions, sometimes accompanied by cough, expectoration, this is generally caused by left heart dysfunction symptoms.
3. Edema of lower limbs
Lower limb edema is the main manifestation of right heart dysfunction, which is generally visible lower limb edema, finger pressure will have obvious depression, and the skin rebound speed is slow. In severe cases, the skin may not bounce back and will feel tight when touched.
4, jugular vein rage
Jugular vein is a blue vein on the clavicle extending to the direction of the earlobe. It is generally the thickness of the little finger. If it is only visible in the form of anger, it is generally caused by right heart insufficiency.
5. Suddenly stand up
This situation is generally in the angina attack period, belongs to a forced position, work or when walking suddenly attack angina pectoris, the general body will be broken, immediately stop activities, but also involuntary hand to hold the anterior heart area, until the pain relief can again activity.
6. Compulsive squatting
Compulsive squatting is generally in this type of dry congenital heart disease, due to the occurrence of palpitations and asthma symptoms, only squat to slightly relieve symptoms, is a typical manifestation of this heart disease.
7. Special face
Patients with chronic high blood pressure, blood circulation and physical quality will be reduced, so it is natural to have a special appearance. If the heart disease has occurred to an advanced stage, the appearance of the disease is generally pale and purple, is the expression of insufficient blood supply, if the face is dark red, is the characteristic of rheumatic heart disease mitral valve stenosis.
So check your blood pressure regularly and take care of your health
High Blood Pressure May Increase Risk Of Severe COVID-19
Researchers say people with high blood pressure have a higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19.
They add the type of medication used by study participants didn’t appear to have an impact.
Experts say having normal blood pressure is good for overall health as well as specific conditions and the risk of heart attack or stroke.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness, according to a studyTrusted Source published today in the journal PLOS ONE.
Researchers, in fact, said they found that high blood pressure is one of the most common comorbidities in people with COVID-19.
The scientists analyzed the health records of 16,134 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19. They reported that high blood pressure was almost twice as prevalent in severe and fatal cases of COVID-19 than in COVID-19 cases overall cases
Of the people studied, 48% of severe or fatal COVID-19 cases had high blood pressure while 25% of all people with COVID-19 had the condition.
The study findings also included:
This risk increased for people with uncontrolled blood pressure despite treatment.
The odds of COVID-19 did not change based on the medication given to treat high blood pressure.
People with a systolic blood pressure reading of 150 to 159 mmHg were associated with a 91% higher risk of severe COVID-19 when compared to those with a systolic blood pressure of 120 to 129 mmHg. There was no evidence of a higher risk of severe COVID-19 until the reading exceeded 150mmHg.
Other findings included:
Low blood pressure, which could indicate an underlying disease, was associated with a 40% higher risk of severe COVID-19 when compared to standard blood pressure readings.
Those with a history of stroke had a 47% higher chance of severe COVID-19.
Those with a history of cardiovascular comorbidities had a 30% higher risk of severe COVID-19.
The scientists suggest that other factors could influence the severity of COVID-19 beyond a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
For example, individuals with higher systolic blood pressure could be generally less healthy and less active. Their hypertension might have also damaged their cardiovascular system.
Blood pressure medications didn’t affect COVID-19 risk
“One of the stated purposes of this study was to determine if certain blood pressure medications affected COVID-19 outcomes. They did not,” Dr, David Cutler, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, told Healthline.
Antihypertensive medications were broadly comparable between those with and without severe COVID-19, indicating no correlation between the severity of COVID-19 and the type of high blood pressure medication used. However, statins and anticoagulants were more prevalent among individuals with severe COVID-19.
“One of the most useful aspects of the findings was that there was no relationship ascertained between anti-hypertension drug classes and COVID-19 severity,” Dr. Fady Youssef, a pulmonologist, internist, and critical care specialist at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center in California, told Healthline.
The two major classes of medications to treat high blood pressure are angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
Reducing the risk of severe COVID-19
“In our own families, medical practices, and communities, we may have noticed the same results as the study to be true,” Cutler said.
“Those with medical comorbidities are more likely to suffer the effects of COVID. But that is nothing new. We have always noted that older, sicker people are more likely to be hospitalized and die after getting COVID,” he added.
“What we can say with certainty is that people with normal blood pressure enjoy fewer health complications than people with high blood pressure,” noted Cutler.
Blood pressure and overall health
Experts say taking steps to control your blood pressure is essential for reducing your risk of severe COVID-19 and for your overall health.
“You can control hypertension with medication, weight loss, healthy eating habits, and not smoking,” Dr. Saurabh Rajpal, a cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Healthline.
“It is also essential to inform your doctor about any family history of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes,” he added. “In general, people with fewer cardiovascular risk factors generally do better when faced with an infection like COVID.”
Experts say controlling your blood pressure is also essential in reducing your chance of dying from a heart attack or a stroke.
And now COVID-19 can be added to that list.
“But one thing we have learned about COVID is that the most crucial protection from dying of COVID is getting vaccinated,” Cutler said. “Another is taking protective measures to avoid getting COVID in the first place. This will not only prevent dying of COVID, but it may also keep you from getting the chronic complications of the disease, which we know as long COVID.”
Everything You Need To Know About The Exercise ECG
What is an exercise electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple and quick test to assess the health of the heart. In this test, healthcare workers place electrodes (small plastic patches that stick to the skin) on specific locations on the chest, arms and legs. The electrodes are connected to the ECG machine via ECG lead wires. Then, we can perform ECG measurements. The monitor will display the ECG. Natural electrical impulses coordinate the contractions of different parts of the heart to keep blood flowing properly. An electrocardiogram records these pulses to show how fast the heart beats, the rhythm of the heartbeat, and the strength and timing of the electrical impulses as they travel through different parts of the heart. Changes in the electrocardiogram can be a harbinger of many heart-related diseases.
An exercise ECG is used to assess the heart's response to stress or exercise. In this test, the ECG machine records our ECG while exercising on the treadmill or stationary bike and at certain points during the test the ECG will be tracked to compare the effects of increased stress on the heart. At the same time, the medical staff will regularly increase the treadmill incline and speed to increase the difficulty of the exercise during the test. In the case of a bicycle, we have to go faster to resist the added drag. In either case, we must keep exercising until we reach our target heart rate (as determined by the doctor based on the patient's age and physical condition), or until we are unable to continue due to fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, or other symptoms.
Why do you need an exercise ECG?
Some reasons why a doctor may order an exercise ECG include:
The attending physician believes we may have coronary artery disease (such as a blocked artery in the heart) and need to assess stress or exercise tolerance;
• Identify the sidelines of safe exercise before starting a cardiac rehabilitation program or when recovering from a heart attack (such as a myocardial infarction) or heart surgery;
• Assess heart rhythm and electrical activity during exercise;
• Assess heart rate and blood pressure during exercise or for other reasons;
What are the risks of an exercise ECG?
Is it dangerous to do an exercise ECG? Because the heart may experience a large amount of compound during the test, some people may experience some of the following:
• Chest pain
• heart attack
• Hypertension
• irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness
• nausea
• tired
• fainted
• Cardiac arrest
• Serious heart rhythm problems.
Depending on the specific medical condition, there may be other risks. Therefore, it is best to confirm the specific situation with your doctor before performing an exercise ECG. In addition, certain factors or conditions may interfere with or affect the results of an exercise ECG, including:
• A large meal before the test
• Caffeine before the test
• Smoking or using other tobacco products before the test
• Hypertension
• Electrolyte imbalances, such as too much or too little potassium, magnesium, or calcium in the blood
• Taking certain medications, such as beta-blockers, may have difficulty raising heart rate to target levels
• Have valvular heart disease
• Arrhythmia
How to prepare for exercise ECG?
Before taking the test, we must tell the doctor truthfully if:
o Aneurysm
o Unstable angina (uncontrollable chest pain)
o Severe heart valve disease (dysfunction of one or more heart valves)
o Severe heart failure
o History of recent heart attack (eg, myocardial infarction)
o Severe high blood pressure
o Uncontrolled irregular heartbeat
o Pericarditis (inflammation or infection of the sac surrounding the heart)
o Severe anemia (low red blood cell count)
o Wear a pacemaker
Exercise ECG process
An exercise ECG can be performed in an outpatient or hospital stay. Tests may vary based on our condition and our doctor's specific protocols. Typically, an exercise ECG follows this process:
1. Asked to remove items that may interfere with the test, asked to change into sick clothes and clean the skin;
2 Paste the electrode pads, connect the ECG leads, and enter the identity information.
3 The medical staff will help us put on the blood pressure cuff. The initial ECG and blood pressure readings are taken when we sit on the bike or stand up for exercise.
4 The doctor begins to teach how to walk on a treadmill or use a bicycle. If you start to experience any chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, extreme shortness of breath, nausea, headache, leg pain, or any other symptoms during exercise, it is imperative to inform your healthcare provider.
5 Begin exercising at the lowest level. The intensity of the exercise will gradually increase. The EKG machine will take EKG and blood pressure readings at intervals to measure how the heart and body respond to exercise.
6 The length of time we exercise depends on our target heart rate and our own endurance. Exercise duration is also an important part of stress test results. The test may be stopped if severe symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, nausea, severe shortness of breath, severe tiredness, or increased blood pressure occur.
7 After completing the exercise portion of the test, the healthcare worker will slow down to allow our body to "calm down" to avoid nausea or cramps caused by the sudden stop.
8 When exercise is completed and rest is performed, healthcare workers continue to monitor ECG and blood pressure until normal or near normal.
9 Once the ECG and blood pressure readings return to normal levels, the medical staff will remove the ECG electrodes and blood pressure cuff, and the test is over.
What happens after an exercise ECG?
In general, no special care is required after an exercise ECG. We may feel tired for a few hours or more after the test. Unless it's someone who doesn't normally exercise, we usually get back to normal within a few hours of an exercise ECG. If more than a day, or chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, we need to contact a doctor for examination.
9 Things You Should Know About Cardiac Arrest
Brush up on your knowledge of cardiac arrest and you may be able to help save someone’s life.
Cardiac arrest means an absence of cardiac activity — in essence, a person’s heart stops beating. While certain health conditions and other factors increase the risk of cardiac arrest, it can happen to anyone.
When someone has cardiac arrest, immediate medical attention — starting with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) — can be the difference between life and death. Here’s what you should know about cardiac arrest, including what to do if someone near you appears to be experiencing it.
1. Cardiac Arrest Is Highly Fatal
About 90 percent of people who have cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting don’t survive it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since about 350,000 people have cardiac arrest in non-hospital locations each year, that translates to hundreds of thousands of people dying from the condition in the United States annually.
“It’s thought that out of deaths in the United States, 13 to 15 percent are due to cardiac arrest,” says Eugene DePasquale, MD, a cardiologist at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. That makes cardiac arrest one of the leading causes of death in the country.
2. Cardiac Arrest Survivors Can Face Lasting Health Problems
Mild to severe brain injury caused by lack of oxygen to the brain is common in cardiac arrest survivors, who often need intensive rehabilitation once they’re discharged from the hospital, as noted in an article published in the Lancet in October 2021.
Between 30 and 50 percent of cardiac arrest survivors experience cognitive deficits as a result, according to an article published in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience in March 2018. Survivors are also disproportionately burdened by mental illness — about 40 percent have anxiety, 30 percent have depression, and 25 percent have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of cardiac arrest.
3. Cardiac Arrest Is Not a Heart Attack
When someone collapses because of a heart condition, many people think it's a “heart attack.” But that’s not what cardiac arrest is at all.
Cardiac arrest and a heart attack are “completely different,” says Anezi Uzendu, MD, an interventional cardiologist and an American Heart Association volunteer. “With cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating, and you can’t wait for emergency services.” A person will be completely unresponsive, and you need to start CPR right away.
In contrast, when someone has a
In contrast, when someone has a heart attack — which happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked — they tend to experience symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, but they’re still conscious and responsive. It’s important to get immediate medical attention, but unlike with cardiac arrest, no treatment is required prior to arrival of emergency medical services for a heart attack.
4. Cardiac Arrest Can Happen to Anyone Without Warning
Not only has Dr. Uzendu studied and treated cardiac arrest, he experienced it himself at age 25, while playing basketball with friends at a gym.
“Halfway through a game, I collapsed and didn’t have a pulse,” he says. “The great thing was that people there were trained — they knew CPR, and there was an AED [automated external defibrillator] available. They used the training they had to help save my life.”
Uzendu was healthy, considered himself an athlete, and had no medical history that suggested an elevated risk of cardiac arrest. Yet on that day, he would have died without the immediate attention he got first from his fellow basketball players and then from emergency services.
In many cases, though, cardiac arrest happens in people with known risk factors. A leading cause of cardiac arrest is coronary artery disease (CAD), according to Dr. DePasquale — a condition that can be treated and controlled.
Other health conditions that increase the risk of cardiac arrest include certain arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders), as well as cardiomyopathies — heart disorders that make it difficult to pump blood throughout the body.
5. Cardiac Arrest Doesn’t Only Happen During Physical Activity
In fictional portrayals of cardiac arrest, a character often collapses while performing some kind of physically demanding task. In real life, a person may or may not be doing something physically taxing when cardiac arrest happens.
“There has certainly been attention to cardiac arrest among athletes,” says DePasquale. “When that does happen, it gets attention because it’s typically at a venue with a lot of people.” But cardiac arrest “can easily happen when you’re not doing anything or taking it easy,” he adds.
While cardiac arrest that happens in public places tends to get more attention, about 7 in 10 cases occur when a person is at home, according to the CDC.
6. CPR Is Critical to Survival in Cardiac Arrest
CPR performed within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest can double or triple a person’s chances of survival, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, fewer than half of all people receive CPR from a bystander, according to Uzendu — and the numbers are barely different for people who have cardiac arrest at home versus in public.
It’s important for everyone in your household to know how to perform CPR if possible, Uzendu says. “Most of the time cardiac arrest is happening, it’s going to be someone in a household,” so you’re more likely to encounter a loved one who needs CPR than a stranger.
Before starting CPR, Uzendu says, you should check to see if the person is responsive by asking if they’re okay and tapping or shaking them. If they’re not responsive, check to see if they’re breathing normally. If not, immediately call 911 and start chest compressions.
Hands-only CPR consists of only two steps, according to the American Heart Association:
Call 911 and put your phone on speaker (or get someone else to call).
Push hard repeatedly, at a moderately fast pace, on the center of the person’s chest.
Uzendu laments that many people hesitate to perform CPR because either they don’t know how or when to do it, or they don’t feel comfortable doing it. “If someone doesn’t have a pulse or a heartbeat, you can’t make them worse,” he says. “You need to act.”
7. Anyone Can Use a Defibrillator (AED)
In addition to administering CPR, you should use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available. AEDs are available in many public places, including schools and universities, airports and other transit hubs, large offices, malls, grocery stores, and gyms.
To use an AED, all you have to do at first is turn the device on. Almost all modern devices are equipped with an audio system to guide you through all the necessary steps, according to Uzendu.
Based on the instructions given by the AED, you’ll need to expose the person’s chest and put the device’s pads on it. The device will analyze the person’s heart rhythm and advice to give an electric shock if needed, as many times as needed. Many devices also tell you when to perform or pause CPR.
8. Hospital Care for Cardiac Arrest Is Important, but May Come Too Late
The American Heart Association emphasizes that a “chain of survival” is needed for a person to have the best chance of surviving cardiac arrest. The steps in this chain are calling 911, performing high-quality CPR, defibrillation, advanced CPR by medical professionals, hospital care, and recovery.
Many different hospital treatments may be promising for cardiac arrest patients, according to Uzendu — including use of an external device to pump blood, inserting a stent to treat any heart blockages, and cooling the person to protect their brain once normal heart rhythm is restored. But doctors are still figuring out how to maximize survival with the tools they have.
“A lot of these therapies might not be beneficial in everyone,” says Uzendu. “I think the next phase of research is going to be trying to figure out which patients benefit from which therapies.”
9. Awareness and Prevention Are Key to Reducing Cardiac Arrest Deaths
Since coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of cardiac arrest, one of the best ways to reduce cardiac arrest deaths is to make sure people get screened and treated for CAD, according to DePasquale.
“Coronary artery disease is something that there are excellent treatments for,” says DePasquale. “There are also risk factors associated with it, such as high cholesterol or hypertension. If you’re seeing your physician regularly, that’s something that could potentially be controlled.”
But as much as prevention matters, Uzendu emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding quickly to cardiac arrest.
“Everyone who is able to should learn CPR, how to save a life,” Uzendu urges. “Early defibrillation and bystander CPR can change the trajectory of cardiac arrest.”
What is high blood pressure? An expert reveals why it's 'a silent killer'
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a major health concern that comes with very little symptoms.
This can make it difficult to diagnose, and if left untreated can cause serious complications like stroke, heart disease and more.
According to a new national survey of by the Heart & Stroke foundation, almost 1,000 health experts found the increasing rates of high blood pressure in Canada to be a significant issue.
"High blood pressure is preventable from following a healthy lifestyle."
The lack of awareness, detection and eventual treatment — almost certainly made worst by the pandemic — were identified as areas for improvement.
"Right now, almost eight million adults in Canada (about one in four) are affected by high blood pressure. As the population ages, this number will only rise as hypertension almost certainly increases with age," Dr. Sheldon Tobe, a nephrologist at Sunnybrook Hosptial in Toronto, told Yahoo Canada. "And it's crazy because high blood pressure is preventable from following a healthy lifestyle."
Read on to learn more about high blood pressure, its risks and how to prevent the condition.
What is high blood pressure?
According to Tobe, "blood pressure is the pressure that's in our blood vessels that is created by the action of the pumping of the heart."
For most people, normal blood pressure levels should be around 140/90 mmHg or lower, or less than 130/80 mmHg for people who have diabetes, as per the Government of Canada.
However, having high blood pressure is pressure that's above the norms. This can lead to our blood vessels wearing out, and can cause permanent damage to our organs.
To help people understand the effects of high blood pressure over time, Tobe gives the "garden hose" analogy.
"The aging process leads to narrowing of the arteries that contributes to the higher blood pressure. I always give an analogy to my patients that if we tighten the nozzle on a garden hose, the pressure rises. And as we age, our arteries tend to get smaller leading to progressive rises in blood pressure," he explains.
How does lifestyle affect high blood pressure?
According to Tobe, our lifestyle dramatically impacts our ability to develop high blood pressure.
Specifically, the health expert reveals that the food we eat and how much we exercise can be key contributors to the condition.
"If our lifestyle and diet is full of sodium — remembering that 80 per cent of the sodium in our diets comes from fast food and processed foods — it's like we're turning the tap on for that garden hose, pushing more volume into the hose and raising the pressure," Tobe says. "And if we don't exercise our body and stay fit, or if we're sedentary, we're causing premature aging or narrowing of our blood vessels."
"Often, there are no glaring signs and symptoms of high blood pressure until it's too late."
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Tobe adds that many more people have become more sedentary — particularly the elderly who can "least afford" to lose what fitness they had.
Moreover, the expert says there's been "a lot more" alcohol consumption than there once was, which also drives high blood pressure.
What are the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure?
"Unfortunately, one of the only ways we know if someone has high blood pressure is by diagnosing and measuring it," says Tobe. "Often, there are no glaring signs and symptoms of high blood pressure until it's too late, and that's why it's known as the silent killer.
Despite the fact that most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, the Government of Canada notes that dizziness, headaches, vision problems and shortness of breath can be possible warning signs.
Because many people were unable to see their healthcare providers in the thick of the pandemic, Tobe adds that a large number of people went undiagnosed.
"People who were locked down and who developed high blood pressure during the pandemic have largely gone undiagnosed by their doctors, which is concerning," he explains. "And the longer it takes from undiagnosis to treatment, the harder it is to keep under control."
What are the risks of having high blood pressure?
There are plenty of risks of having high blood pressure.
Specifically, Tobe notes the condition can lead to other more serious health concerns.
"As a healthcare professional, high blood pressure is one of the reasons why people have a loss of kidney function that ends up leading to dialysis. More scary than that, uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major cause of stroke, that robs patients of their cognitive abilities and precludes to dementia," he says.
"Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major cause of stroke, that robs patients of their cognitive abilities and precludes to dementia."
Health Canada adds that high blood pressure puts people at a greater risk for heart disease, loss of brain function and loss of eyesight.
What happens if high blood pressure goes untreated?
Similar to the risks, if high blood pressure goes untreated it can lead to heart problems, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, dementia and erectile dysfunction.
"To me, it's almost worse than death," Tobe says. "If gone untreated, all the blood vessels in the body are wearing our prematurely. All our important organs are becoming damaged. And it's all preventable!"
How can I prevent high blood pressure?
"To prevent long-term effects of high blood pressure, it's important that we diagnose it. Go to your doctor frequently to monitor your levels," Tobe suggests.
If you cannot get to see your doctor or a healthcare professional easily, you can go to the pharmacy and measure your levels on a self-serve blood pressure device. Or, you can buy a blood pressure device to measure your levels at home.
Additionally, a key way to help prevent high blood pressure is to keep physically active.
"Physical activity for 40 minutes four or more days of the week is recommended. If someone has a disability, any sort of movement is great. But something is better than nothing, so even getting up and walking for five minutes a day is much better than being sedentary," Tobe suggests.
The nephrologist also recommends people watch what they eat and drink.
"Consuming salt and alcohol in moderation is best," he explains.
informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
FDA: Limitations of pulse oximeters, risk of error in some cases
Based on the blood oxygen sensor technology and testing principle, some specific situations will affect the reading of blood oxygen saturation and cause errors. Instead of a medical oximeter, there may be more misreadings due to the uneven blood oxygen sensor technology and the unprofessional operation of the user. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently signed a safety notification to inform healthcare practitioners and the public that pulse oximetry is limited and inaccurate in certain circumstances.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased use of pulse oximeters. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in late 2020 suggested that the device may be less accurate in people with hyperpigmented skin. Although in most cases these inaccurate measurements may be of little clinical significance, these inaccurate monitoring still carry the risk of missing hypoxia. The FDA notes that it is important to understand the limitations of pulse oximetry and how to calculate and interpret the accuracy.
This safety advisory includes several recommendations for healthcare practitioners, including being aware that a variety of factors can affect the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings, such as skin pigmentation, poor circulation, skin thickness, skin temperature, current use Tobacco and nail polish. Consult the device label or manufacturer's website for the accuracy of a specific brand of pulse oximeter and oximeter, as different brands and sensors may have different levels of accuracy. According to the notification, pulse oximeters are least accurate when blood oxygen saturation is below 80 percent.
Health care workers should consider factors affecting accuracy when using pulse oximeters for diagnostic and treatment decisions. The FDA safety communication states that pulse oximeter readings should be used as an estimate of oxygen saturation and, where possible, diagnostic and treatment decisions should be based on trends in pulse oximeter readings over time, rather than absolute thresholds . The FDA also noted that it only reviews medical pulse oximeters for accuracy, not non-medical oximeters for general health or exercise/aviation purposes.
The safety newsletter also provides advice for patients and caregivers who are monitoring their condition at home, including how to take readings, how to interpret them and when to contact a healthcare worker.
For the best pulse oximetry readings, the FDA recommends following the product manufacturer's instructions. When placing the pulse oximeter, make sure your hands are warm, relaxed, free of nail polish and that your fingers are below your heart. Also, keep your body still and especially don't move the pulse oximeter to ensure accurate readings. Record the oxygen level when the reading shows a steady number and the date and time of the reading to track changes in readings and tell your doctor.
When recording readings, patients and caregivers should be aware that we may need to contact our physicians when blood oxygen levels are lower than previous measurements or gradually decrease over time. Although some patients with low oxygen levels may have no symptoms, the FDA urges patients monitoring oxygen saturation at home to be aware of the following symptoms of low oxygen levels:
Unusual color of face, lips or nails.
shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or a worsening cough;
restless and uncomfortable;
chest pain and fast heartbeat
The FDA notes that over-the-counter products that can be purchased in stores or online are not intended for medical purposes. According to the Safety Communications, the FDA is committed to continuing to evaluate the safety, efficacy and availability of medical devices, especially those in greater demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the FDA is evaluating published literature on various factors that may affect pulse oximetry readings and performance, with a focus on literature that is less accurate due to skin pigmentation. Based on these new findings, the FDA may re-evaluate the pulse oximetry guidance document.
Biosensors, Future Trends
Biosensors, future trends
Affected by this new crown pneumonia, personal health has become everyone's concern. Many people care about disease prevention, while others seek ways to maintain their health. Regardless of intent, each of us has a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, the rise of wearables has allowed us to monitor our health like never before.
Through the use of precise wearable biometric sensor systems, today's wearables can collect and analyze personal data, such as heart rate and sleep patterns, in real time. Wearables are growing in popularity among tech and sports enthusiasts, with one in three people in the U.S. using a wearable device.
Many biometric sensors currently on the market have proven to be accurate, flexible, and scalable to a variety of products, such as smartwatches, earbuds, and armbands. Thanks to technological innovations in microcontrollers (MCUs) and system-on-a-chip (SoCs), new wearable devices can now measure not just basic biometric data, but also continuous glucose monitoring, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) Features such as monitoring and mood and stress monitoring are becoming more popular and will be widely adopted by the general public.
Overall, biometric solutions are rapidly gaining popularity as they are ideal for a wide variety of IoT products and applications. With the advancement of biosensor technology, we can benefit from the following aspects.
Continuous blood oxygen saturation monitoring
Many wearables, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, are already measuring basic health information, such as heart rate and steps taken. However, advances in blood oxygen probe technology have enabled wearables to provide more continuous and comprehensive monitoring. American circuit designer and manufacturer Maxim recently released a new wrist-based system designed to continuously monitor blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels and heart rate variability. Oxygen saturation measures the amount of oxygen in the blood, providing insights into sleep patterns, heart health and breathing function. As biometric measurements become an integral part of our lives, how these measurements are performed is evolving rapidly. Apple's AirPods, for example, are expected to integrate ambient light sensors (ALS) into their next-generation devices, which would provide a less intrusive way to monitor user health.
Improve mental health monitoring
In addition to basic biometric data, wearables are also beginning to collect more complex information, such as anxiety and stress, to improve our mental health. Some next-generation products even promise to measure the emotional state and stress levels of their users. Spire is one such wearable device. He tracks breathing patterns and physical activity to reduce stress and increase productivity. The device can be clipped to a piece of clothing (a shirt or belt) and sense changes in breathing patterns and the user's mental state. Wearables of the future will be able to provide more insights into our physical and mental health. These wearable devices are becoming more commonplace, and even doctors and mental health professionals around the world are using these technologies.
Real-time blood pressure monitoring
It is well known that high blood pressure is harmful to health. However, monitoring blood pressure is not an easy task. Because it is difficult for an individual to properly wear a blood pressure cuff for measurement and the blood pressure cuff needs to be calibrated regularly. Blood pressure technology has taken a huge leap forward thanks to advances in biometric sensors. This year, biometrics company Valencell introduced the world's first calibration-free and cuffless blood pressure technology. By integrating this technology into consumer wearables and hearables, we can take real-time blood pressure measurements every day. We can measure our blood pressure while listening to music or watching a performance without the people around us knowing.
Use Pulse Oximeter Correctly To Measure Oxygen Status
Pulse oximeters are used to assess patient oxygen status in a variety of clinical Settings and have become an increasingly common monitoring device.
It provides continuous, non-invasive monitoring of hemoglobin oxygen saturation in arterial blood. Its results are updated with each pulse.
Pulse oximeters do not provide information about hemoglobin concentration, cardiac output, efficiency of delivering oxygen to tissues, oxygen consumption, oxygen recharge, or degree of ventilation. They do, however, provide an opportunity to immediately notice deviations from a patient's oxygen baseline as an early warning sign to clinicians to help prevent the consequences of desaturation and detect cyanosis from hypoxemia before it occurs.
It has been suggested that increasing the use of pulse oximeters in general wards may make them as common as thermometers. However, staff reportedly had limited operational knowledge of the device, and little was known about how it worked and the factors that might affect readings (Stoneham et al. 1994; Casey, 2001).
How does pulse oximeter work?
In contrast to reduced hemoglobin, pulse oximeters measure the absorption of light at specific wavelengths in oxidized hemoglobin. Arterial oxygenated blood has a red color due to the mass of oxygenated hemoglobin it contains, which allows it to absorb certain wavelengths of light. The blood oxygen probe has two light-emitting diodes (leds) on one side of the probe, one red and one infrared emitting tube. The probe is placed in a suitable part of the body, usually a fingertip or earlobe, and the LED transmits light wavelengths through pulsating arterial blood to a photodetector on the other side of the probe. Oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs infrared light; Reduced hemoglobin glows red. Pulsatile arterial blood during systole causes oxygenated hemoglobin to flow into the tissue, absorbing more infrared light and allowing less light to reach the photodetector. The oxygen saturation of the blood determines the degree of light absorption. The results were processed on the oximeter screen into a digital display of oxygen saturation, denoted by SpO2 (Jevon, 2000).
Pulse oximeters are available in a variety of manufacturers and models (Lowton, 1999). Most display with visual digital waveforms, audible arterial beats and heart rate displays, and a variety of sensors to suit the age, size or weight of the individual. The choice depends on the Settings in which it is used. All personnel using pulse oximeters must be aware of their function and proper usage.
Arterial blood gas analysis is more accurate; However, having recognized its limitations, pulse OXImetry is considered accurate enough for most clinical purposes.
Factors affecting the accuracy of readings
Patient Status - To calculate the difference between capillaries and empty capillaries, blood oxygen saturation is measured by light absorption through multiple pulses (usually five) (Harrahill, 1991). To detect pulsatile blood flow, adequate perfusion must be performed in the monitored area. If the patient's peripheral pulse is weak or absent, the pulse oximeter reading will be inaccurate. Patients at high risk for hypoperfusion are those with hypotension, hypovolemia and hypothermia and those in cardiac arrest. Patients with a cold but not hypothermia may have vasoconstriction in the fingers and toes and may also impair arterial blood flow (Carroll, 1997).
If the blood oxygen probe is fixed too tightly, nonarterial beats may be detected, creating venous beats in the finger. Venous pulsations are also caused by right-side heart failure, tricuspid regurgitation (Schnapp and Cohen, 1990), and tourniquet of the blood pressure cuff above the probe.
Cardiac arrhythmias can lead to very inaccurate measurements, especially in the presence of significant cusp/radius defects (Woodrow, 1999).
Intravenous dyes used in diagnostic and hemodynamic tests may result in inaccurate and often low oxygen saturation estimates (Jenson et al., 1998). The effects of skin pigmentation, jaundice or elevated bilirubin levels should also be considered.
Proper use of pulse oximetry involves more than just reading the digital display, since not all patients with the same SpO2 have the same amount of oxygen in their blood. A saturation of 97% means that 97% of the total hemoglobin in the body is filled with oxygen molecules. Therefore, the interpretation of oxygen saturation must be done in the context of the patient's total hemoglobin level (Carroll, 1997). Another factor that affects oximeter readings is how tightly hemoglobin binds to oxygen, which may vary with various physiological conditions.
External Influences - Because pulse oximeters measure the amount of light transmitted through arterial blood, bright light directly shining on the oximeter (whether artificial or natural) may affect the reading. Dirty sensors (Sims, 1996), dark nail polish (Carroll, 1997), and dry blood (Woodrow, 1999) may affect the accuracy of readings by obstructing or altering the light absorption of contact probes.
Optical shunting affects accuracy and can occur when the sensor is incorrectly placed in order to allow light to reach the photodetector directly from the LED without crossing the vascular bed.
The sensor may shift and shift due to rhythmic movement (e.g., Parkinson's tremor, seizures, or even shivering), which may cause inaccurate readings. Movement and vibration can also make it difficult for pulse oximeters to determine which tissue is pulsing.
False high readings - Pulse oximeters give false high readings in the presence of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide binds hemoglobin 250 times more strongly than oxygen, and once fixed prevents oxygen from binding. It also turns hemoglobin bright red. Pulse oximeters cannot distinguish between hemoglobin molecules saturated with oxygen and those carrying carbon monoxide (Casey, 2001). Smokers also consistently get falsely high readings - readings up to four hours after smoking are affected (Dobson, 1993). Other sources of carbon monoxide include fire, vehicle exhaust inhalation, and prolonged exposure to high flow environments.
There is also evidence that anemia can lead to falsely high readings (Jensen et al., 1998).
The dangers of using finger probes
Continuous use of blood oxygen probes may cause blisters on the finger pads and pressure damage to the skin or nail bed. Continuous use of the probe also poses a risk of burns, and the probe should be repositioned every two to four hours (MDA, 2001; Place, 2000).
Woodrow(1999) suggested that patients may not be able to alert staff to any discomfort and potential burns if the probe is placed on a paralyzed limb.
Like any other form of monitoring, pulse oximetry is an adjunct to care. Care should always focus on the person and not the machine. The accuracy of routine pulse oximetry should not be taken for granted, and nursing and medical staff should be aware that this technology will only benefit patients if those using it are able to use the device properly and understand the results proficiently.
Introduction To 12-lead Electrocardiogram
As a non-invasive but most valuable diagnostic tool, 12-lead ECG records the electrical activity of the heart as a waveform. If a doctor can accurately interpret an ECG, it can detect and monitor a variety of heart conditions -- from arrhythmias to coronary heart disease to electrolyte imbalances. Much progress has been made in the recording and interpretation of electrocardiograms since the first one was published in 1903. Today, the 12-lead ECG remains a standard diagnostic tool for paramedics, EMTs, and hospital staff.
The 12-lead ECG records information from 12 different perspectives, giving a complete picture of the electrical activity of the heart. We can think of it as 12 different faces of an object interwoven, and we can interpret the ECG to tell a story about the heart. The 12 views collect information by placing electrodes or small sticky patches on the chest (pre-cardiac area), wrists and ankles. These electrodes are connected via an ECG wire to a machine that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Why do we need a 12-lead ECG
The primary purpose of a 12-lead ECG is to screen patients for possible cardiac ischemia. It can help hospital staff quickly identify patients suffering from myocardial infarction, or heart attack, and perform appropriate medical interventions based on initial readings.
12 lead electrocardiogram electrode placement
In order to accurately measure the electrical activity of the heart, it is essential to place the electrodes correctly. In a 12-lead ECG, 12 leads were calculated using 10 electrodes.
Chest (precardiac area) electrodes and placement
» V1 - Fourth intercostal space on the right margin of the sternum
» V2 -- Fourth intercostal space on the left margin of the sternum
» Between V3-V2 and V4
» V4 - Fifth intercostal area of the midclavicular line
» V5 - Anterior midaxillary line and V4
» V6-midaxillary line is at the same level as V4 and V5
Limb (limb) electrodes and placement
» RA(Right arm)- Any position between right shoulder and right elbow
» RL(Right leg)- Anywhere below the right torso and above the right ankle
» LA(Left arm)- Anywhere between left shoulder and left elbow
» LL (Left leg) - Anywhere below the left torso and above the left ankle
Instructions on placement of 12-lead ECG:
Limb leads can also be placed on the upper arms and thighs. However, the position should be uniform, that is, if the click is placed on the right wrist, the left should also be placed on the wrist,
For female patients, the V3-V6 lead was placed under the left breast.
Do not use the nipple as a reference point for placing male and female electrodes, as the nipple position varies from person to person.
12-lead transmitte
Leads are a glimpse of the electrical activity of the heart from a specific Angle. In short, a lead is a perspective. In a 12-lead ECG, 10 electrodes provide 12 perspectives of cardiac activity using different angles through two electrical planes (vertical and horizontal).
Vertical plane (front leads) :
By using four limb electrodes, six frontal leads that provide information about the vertical plane of the heart can be obtained:
I lead
Lead II
III lead
Lead aVR
Lead aVL
Of aVF lead
Leads I, II, and III require both negative and positive electrodes (bipolar) for monitoring. On the other hand, the enhanced leads -AVR, aVL, and aVF -are unipolar and require only one positive pole for monitoring.
The Einthoven Triangle
The Eindthoven triangle explains why there are six leads instead of four limb electrodes.
The principle behind the Einthoven triangle describes how electrodes RA, LA, and LL record cardiac electrical activity associated with themselves through leads aVR, aVL, and aVF, and how they correspond to each other to form leads I(RA to LA), II(RA to LL), and III(LL to LA).
As a result, they form an equilateral triangle. It is therefore known as the Einthoven triangle, after William Einthoven, who invented the first practical electrocardiogram. Where, RL is neutral (also known as the zero point of the measured current). The RL does not appear in ECG readings, but is considered a ground wire that helps reduce ECG artifacts.
Horizontal plane (transverse lead)
By using six chest electrodes, six transverse guide links are obtained that provide information about the heart level: V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6. The transverse lead is unipolar and requires only one positive terminal. The negative terminal of all six leads is located in the center of the heart. The results were obtained by electrocardiogram calculation.
Preparation before ECG
1. Patient posture
l Remove electronic devices (e.g. smartphones) from the patient. These devices can create artifacts (interference) and cause problems with readings.
l Place client in supine or semi-Fowler position.
l With your arms flat at your side, have the patient relax his shoulders and keep his legs uncrossed.
l For patients who cannot lie comfortably on the bed or examination table due to their size, cross your arms over your abdomen to reduce muscle tension and movement.
l The patient should remain quiet throughout the test.
2. How to reduce significant artifacts
l Mild ECG artifacts are not uncommon. However, we can reduce further interference by taking the following steps:
l Turn off non-essential electrical equipment and equipment in the vicinity whenever possible.
Check cable loops and avoid laying cables near metal objects to avoid affecting the signal.
Check wires and cables for cracks or breaks. Replace as needed.
l If possible, use a current suppressor on the power supply.
l Ensure the connection between the patient's ECG cable and the device, carefully checking the gap between the connectors.
3. Prepare the skin
l Keep skin dry, hairless and oil free. Shave any hair that may interfere with electrode placement. The electrode should be in full contact with the patient's skin.
l To ensure electrode adhesion and reduce skin oil, alcohol gauze can be used to wipe the electrode placement area.
The electrical resistance is reduced by touching the soft skin before the electrode is placed, and this will help ensure that the electrical signal from the heart is transmitted to the electrode.
l To ensure the effectiveness of monitoring, it is necessary to maintain a quiet and temperature appropriate environment to prevent sweating.
4. Electrode application
l Ensure electrode conductive gel is fresh and well moistened. Dry electrodes with insufficient gel can reduce the conduction of ECG signals. Often, electrode gels dry out as a result of incorrect storage. Therefore, the electrode should be stored correctly according to the product instructions.
l Do not place electrodes on bones, incisions, irritated skin, and skin on body parts where there may be a lot of muscle movement.
l Use the same brand of electrodes. The different composition of the electrode sheet may prevent accurate ECG tracking.
After the market value evaporated by 230 billion, Mindray Medical Li Xiting is still the "richest man in Singapore"
The three-year epidemic has changed the ecology of many industries, and also changed the wealth map on the rich list. For example, Zhang Yong and his wife, the bosses of Haidilao, fell to the top of Singapore’s richest man last year, and they were replaced by Li Xiting, the founder of the “Medical Equipment Mao” Mindray Medical (300670.SZ), the protagonist of Ji Today.
Not only that, with the half of May, the annual reports of most A-share listed companies have been disclosed. In the list of listed company chairman remuneration, Li Xiting ranks first, with an annual salary of 25.3349 million yuan.
In fact, with Mindray Medical's performance and a market value of nearly 400 billion yuan, Li Xiting's salary level is not worth making a fuss about. According to the financial report data, Mindray Medical's total revenue in 2021 will be 25.27 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 20.18%; the net profit attributable to the parent is 8.002 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 20.19%.
/ 01 /What does the rise of "medicine mao" depend on?
The current management style of a company is often inseparable from the successful experience of its founders, as is Mindray Medical.
In the early 1990s, Li Xiting, who was 40 years old at the time, took Xu Hang, Cheng Minghe and others to leave Shenzhen Anke, which is known as the "Whampoa Military Academy" for domestic medical equipment, and founded Mindray Medical.
At first, Mindray, who had no foundation, could only be engaged in the agency of foreign medical equipment, but after accumulating some funds, Li Xiting, who was born in technology, was determined to take the road of independent research and development. However, the research and development of medical devices has great requirements for capital investment. The company was once in financial difficulties and relied on the Shenzhen government to come forward to overcome the difficulties.
Since then, in order to solve the problem of shortage of research and development funds, in 1994, when the domestic venture capital industry was in the ascendant, Li Xiting went to Wall Street to raise funds and successfully obtained 2 million US dollars of venture capital. This has improved Mindray's international vision and development ideas.
The first product developed by Mindray Medical is a "single-parameter blood oxygen saturation monitor". At that time, this product was not outstanding compared with foreign products, and Mindray was still a new brand with limited competitiveness. As a result, Mindray Medical chose to start from low-tier cities, taking high cost performance as its competitive advantage, and "surrounding cities from rural areas", and gradually gained a firm foothold.
Since then, although the development of Mindray Medical has had twists and turns, the core concept of the company's business development has been determined and has been adhered to until now.
First, insist on self-development and be willing to invest money. In recent years, Mindray's R&D expenses have accounted for about 10% of its total revenue, and the growth rates are above double digits. In 2020 and 2021, the growth rates will reach 27.54% and 35.03%, respectively, exceeding revenue growth.
Second, make good use of capital operation to help the company develop. This is evident from the fact that Mindray Medical was listed in the United States as early as 2006. Since then, Mindray Medical has operated a series of mergers and acquisitions, based on which a wide range of product layouts and technological breakthroughs have been achieved.
Third, continue to promote the strategy of "encircling cities from rural areas", from China to the world. At present, Mindray Medical has firmly established its position as the domestic leader and is moving from domestic to international. This trend was rapidly promoted in the early stage of the outbreak due to the surge in foreign demand.
In this regard, Li Xiting once said: "It turns out that some of the top hospitals in Western Europe and North America that we could not enter have entered through this epidemic."
However, judging from the 2021 annual report, Mindray Medical's domestic business accounted for 60%, and this proportion was 52.84% in the same period in 2020. In contrast, Mindray's international business growth in 2021 seems to be less than ideal, with the proportion dropping from 47.16% to 39.61%.
Therefore, whether Mindray Medical can gain a firm foothold in the international market through the epidemic is currently being questioned by the market.
In fact, not only in the international market, but also in the grasp of domestic epidemic opportunities and the "Sword of Damocles" in centralized procurement, which have also added a lot of uncertainty to the future of Mindray Medical. What is the specific situation? It starts with the three main businesses of Mindray Medical.
/ 02 /High-end still needs to break through
Mindray Medical's main business is divided into three parts, namely life information and support, in vitro diagnosis (IVD) and medical imaging.
To put it simply, the products in the field of life information and support mainly include monitors, anesthesia machines, ventilators, etc.; the products in the field of in vitro diagnosis mainly include blood cell detection, biochemical analysis and detection, chemiluminescence immunoassay, etc.; the main products in the field of medical imaging include: Color Doppler, MRI, Ultrasound, etc.
The 2021 annual report shows that the life information and support revenue reached 11.153 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10.92%, accounting for 44.14% of the revenue; the in vitro diagnostic business achieved revenue of 8.449 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase 27.13%, accounting for 33.43%; medical imaging achieved revenue of 5.426 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 29.31%, accounting for 21.47%.
From the growth of main products, it can be seen that the reason for the low growth of the life information and support segment is affected by the sluggish growth of monitors.
Under the leadership of Li Xiting, Mindray Medical's first self-developed product was a monitor. Since then, thanks to the acquisition of the old American company Datascope in 2008, Mindray has achieved the first domestic market share and the third international level in the field of monitors, and is the representative of Mindray in the field of high-end products.
However, monitor growth is currently stagnant, and the reason for this is that the market has limited room for growth. From 2009 to 2019, the domestic penetration rate only increased from 20% to 30%, and the ceiling is within reach.
The most high-end products have the worst growth, which has to be said to be a headache for Mindray Medical.
In fact, among the three major businesses, the market size in the field of in vitro diagnostics is the most impressive and the ceiling is also the highest. According to public data, the global in vitro diagnostics market in 2019 was worth US$71.4 billion (about 500 billion RMB), maintaining a compound growth rate of 4.87% from 2014 to 2019. Among them, chemiluminescent reagents are the most impressive.
However, Mindray Medical started late in this field and launched its first chemiluminescence immunoassay system in 2013, losing its first-mover advantage. At present, 80% of the domestic chemiluminescence market is occupied by the four foreign giants (Roche, Abbott, Siemens, and Beckman), and the rest of the market is divided up by domestic companies such as Mindray Medical, New Industries, and Antu Biology.
Of course, although Mindray Medical entered the market late, it has developed rapidly with its channel advantages. In order to control costs and improve gross profit margins, Mindray Medical also acquired Haiti Biological, the upstream raw material supplier of the global in vitro diagnostic head, with 4 billion yuan in cash last year.
It can be seen that Mindray Medical is ambitious in the field of in vitro diagnostics, trying to replicate the development path of monitors in the past.
However, times have changed, and although Li Xiting has immigrated to Singapore, the company still cannot escape the storms of the domestic market.
On July 30, 2021, there was rumors of centralized procurement of medical equipment in Anhui, and Mindray plunged 8.44% that day. Then, on August 19, Anhui released the "Announcement on Negotiating Negotiations for Centralized Procurement of Clinical Test Reagents in Public Medical Institutions in Anhui Province", taking the lead in opening the procurement of provincial clinical test reagents in bulk. The next day, in vitro diagnostic companies plunged in panic, and Mindray Medical plunged 17.05%, the largest single-day drop in its A shares.
The highly anticipated in vitro diagnostic business was poured cold water, and the panic in the market is understandable. In fact, in the long run, although "centralized procurement" will dilute profits, for Mindray, which is in a weak position in the market, it may also be an opportunity for it to realize import substitution.
In general, Mindray Medical's individual products or sectors have encountered certain troubles, but in the context of new domestic medical infrastructure, the overall demand for medical devices is still there. Mindray, as the leader of the domestic industry, its overall performance growth is still expected to continue. . From the perspective of investors, after the sharp adjustment, has this big white horse stock of medical equipment hit the bottom?
/ 03 / The market value of 230 billion has evaporated, and institutions are still hesitating
In the current sluggish capital market environment, if compared with Hengrui Medicine, the leader in pharmaceutical stocks, the performance of Mindray Medical, the "pharmaceutical weapon", is barely acceptable.
As of the close on May 17, Mindray Medical's share price was fixed at 302.8 yuan per share, with a total market value of about 365 billion yuan. Compared with the highest point of 502 yuan per share in July last year, it has dropped by 39%, and the total market value has evaporated by more than 230 billion yuan. And Hengrui Medicine fell from 97.23 yuan/share to the current 29.93 yuan/share, a drop of nearly 70%.
In fact, Mindray Medical and Hengrui Medicine, as the leader of medical equipment and the leader of innovative drugs respectively, can have such performance, which is related to the characteristics of their respective industries.
The medical device industry is different from the pharmaceutical industry. If the latter develops a new drug, the performance growth brought by it is often immediate, showing a pulse-like effect. The medical device industry where Mindray is located is different. Medical device products often have a long service life. The replacement of equipment requires a process, and the growth rate is slow but relatively stable.
On Mindray Medical, its performance growth in recent years has been stable, and the growth rate is not slow. In the context of more than a year, the performance is better than traditional medical star stocks such as Hengrui Medicine, Aier Eye, WuXi AppTec and Changchun High-tech.
After all, a long-term stable performance growth of more than 20% corresponds to a dynamic PE of more than 40 times, which is not expensive.
On the other hand, Mindray Medical has been the focus of institutional research in recent years, especially the number of reception institutions has exceeded 3,000 for two consecutive years, ranking first in A-shares. Data shows that more than 550 institutions have recently conducted research on Mindray, and their attention has not diminished. Of course, it should be noted that although institutions are still concerned, Mindray's stock price is still in a downward channel.
Research is research, and many institutions seem to be hesitating when it comes to real money. After all, the current megatrend is known to remain fraught with uncertainty.
With the decline of Mindray's share price, Li Xiting's net worth evaporated by more than 35 billion yuan in one year. But he seems more open to the ups and downs of the stock market.
"Listing is for financing development, not for making money for individuals," said Li Xiting.
In an interview with the media, Li Xiting was optimistic about Mindray's capital situation. "There is no bank loan, and there are nearly 20 billion cash in the account. The construction of the company's bases is all its own funds."
This may also be the basis for Mindray's continued investment in research and development. However, judging from the financial report data, at the end of the first quarter of this year, the company's total monetary capital was 14.898 billion yuan, down 10.51% year-on-year. At the end of 2021, it was 15.361 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 3.17%, the first decline since landing A shares.
This trend does not seem to be as optimistic as Li Xiting's performance.
Of course, overall, Mindray Medical's performance growth is still relatively stable, and it has few competitors in the domestic market. "Minray learns Roche, and the whole country learns Mindray" is not empty talk. However, this also shows from the side that Mindray Medical, which has grown through "surrounding cities from rural areas", still needs to continue to work hard if it wants to truly gain a foothold in the international market, especially to develop more high-end products.
With tens of billions of cash in hand, anything is possible.
Disclaimer: The content of the article is for reference only, the information or opinions expressed in the article do not constitute any investment advice and do not assume any responsibility for any actions taken due to the use of this article.
2021 China International Medical Equipment Exhibition CMEF(autumn)
http://www.disposablespo2sensor.com/ Updated: Sept 06, 2021
Exhibition Introduction
Exhibition time: Oct 13.2021-Oct 16.2021
Opening hours:09:00-18:00
Exhibition address: Baoan District, Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Center
Our booth:3Q19
China International Medical Equipment Exhibition CMEF Autumn Exhibition is referred to as Autumn Medical Expo. It is held twice a year. The exhibition is held in Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center, Beijing, Chongqing, Qingdao and other cities. CMEF Medical Expo is very influential in the world. Strong medical equipment exhibition.
CMEF was founded in 1979. The 84th CMEF exhibition in 2021 will have an exhibition area of 300,000 square meters and more than 5,000 exhibitors, an unprecedented scale.
The scope of exhibits at the China Medical Equipment Exhibition CMEF includes medical imaging, medical testing, in vitro diagnostics, medical optics, medical electronics, hospital construction, smart medical,Tens of thousands of product technologies and services in the entire industrychain such as smart wearable products.
In order to give full play to the leading role of the integrated platform, the organizer has innovatively launched more than 30 sub-industry clusters on the exhibition site in recent years, such as artificial intelligence, CT, nuclear magnetic, operating room, molecular diagnosis, POCT, rehabilitation engineering, rehabilitation aids, and medical ambulances. Focus on displaying the latest scientific and technological achievements of the industry.
China Medical Equipment Exhibition includes two parts: exhibition and forum. After more than 40 years of development, it has developed into an international leader covering the entire medical equipment industry chain, integrating product technology, new product launches, procurement trade, brand communication, scientific research cooperation, and academic forums. , A global comprehensive service platform integrating education and training.
Exhibitors scope
The cmef medical expo has set up a total of 12 special theme pavilions:
1. The medical imaging area, medical optical equipment area, and medical electronic equipment area gather the domestic radiology, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, digestive endoscopy, thoracolaparoscopy, hysteroscopy, urology, ear, nose, and throat orthopedics and other general indoor endoscopy systems and New technologies in the fields of related surgical instruments, supporting cleaning and disinfection products, information systems, etc.,
New product display.
2. Smart medical exhibition area
3. In Vitro Diagnostic Zone
4. The disinfection and sensing control area brings exhibits such as decontamination equipment, endoscope cleaning workstations, purification engineering equipment, water treatment equipment, sensing control indicators, as well as an overall solution for the disinfection supply center for a wide range of medical equipment.
5. In addition to the traditional high-value consumables and low-value consumables, the medical consumables area also includes transcatheter interventional valves, interventional biological heart valves, branched aortic stent grafts, coronary drug-eluting stents, orthopedic implants, and drug washes. New products such as balloon catheters and hollow fiber membrane hemodialysis filters are displayed.
6. The Rehabilitation and Home Nursing Theme Pavilion gathers more than 100 well-known domestic and foreign companies in the entire industry chain of rehabilitation treatment, rehabilitation engineering, sports rehabilitation, home medical treatment, welfare aids, and Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment.
This is a grand event that showcases the latest scientific and technological achievements in the medical industry. We look forward to meeting you at the Autumn Medical Expo!