2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Eight healthy adult dairy breed and eight healthy adult meat breed goats had simultaneous AliveCor and standard base apex ECGs performed in a standing position. The AliveCor ECG was recorded using two different device positions (over the left cardiac apex and over the brisket region). Paper speed was 25 mm/sec and amplitude was 10 mm/mV. All ECGs were evaluated unpaired and independently by a data-blinded veterinary cardiologist. The average heart rate was determined using 6 seconds of ECG recording, rhythm diagnosis was recorded for each tracing, and each ECG was given a quality score (0-3). The findings were then reviewed to determine if the AliveCor device was comparable to the base apex ECG for rate and rhythm diagnosis via a paired t-test. Differences in quality scores between the readings for each goat were assessed via a Mann-Whitney U-test. Quality score differences were assessed with a Mann-Whitney U-test between breeds and location of AliveCor ECG. Rhythm agreement was assessed by comparing the blinded rhythm diagnoses made by the cardiologist.