ECG Monitors

ECG Machines

ECG machines are an essential part of diagnostic equipment in medical practices, hospitals and cardiology departments. They record the heart’s electrical activity precisely and support reliable cardiac assessment. The ECG machine range at Praxisdienst is aimed exclusively at doctors, healthcare professionals and medical facilities – not private users or home application. From resting ECG machines and mobile emergency systems to Holter ECG and stress ECG systems, the range covers the most common examination requirements. All devices comply with the requirements of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and feature CE marking to indicate conformity with applicable European regulations.

How ECG Machines Work and Technical Basics

An ECG machine records the electrical impulses generated by the heart with each heartbeat. Electrodes placed on the skin and chest detect these voltage changes and display them as characteristic waveforms, allowing healthcare professionals to assess heart rhythm, rate and electrical conduction. The diagnostic capabilities depend largely on the number of channels: 3-channel ECG machines and 6-channel ECG machines are commonly used for mobile diagnostics and long-term monitoring, while the 12-channel ECG with six limb and six chest leads is considered the standard for comprehensive cardiac examinations in medical practices.

Overview of ECG Machine Types

ECG diagnostics involve different examination requirements, each supported by specialised ECG machine types designed for specific applications.

Resting ECG Machines as Stand-Alone Devices

A resting ECG machine records the heart’s activity while the patient is at rest and is a standard diagnostic tool in general practice and specialist clinics. Compact all-in-one devices with integrated displays and printers operate independently from a PC and provide comprehensive diagnostic data with 12-channel ECG recording. They are suitable for doctors in general medicine, internal medicine and hospitals looking for a reliable stationary solution.

PC-Based ECG Systems

A PC-based ECG system uses a compact 12-channel recorder to capture the ECG signal, while measurement, processing and reporting are performed via dedicated ECG software on a computer. USB or Bluetooth connectivity enables a paperless workflow, helping to reduce material use and streamline documentation. Due to their low weight, these systems are suitable for both stationary use and mobile diagnostics with a laptop, making them ideal for practices looking to digitise their ECG workflow.

Mobile and Emergency ECG Machines

Mobile ECG machines are designed for rapid deployment and flexibility: battery-powered, lightweight and compact, they offer 3-channel to 12-channel recording depending on the model. In emergency medical services, by emergency physicians, during home visits and in emergency departments, robust systems that are ready for immediate use provide reliable cardiac assessment wherever it is needed. A mobile ECG machine complements stationary equipment by extending diagnostic capabilities beyond the practice environment.

Holter ECG Machines (Long-Term ECG)

A Holter ECG machine, also known as a long-term ECG device, records heart rhythm over a period of 24 to 48 hours and helps identify arrhythmias that may not be detected during a short resting ECG. A small, portable recorder accompanies patients during their daily activities, while analysis is performed afterwards using specialised software. For cardiologists and doctors specialising in internal medicine, Holter ECG systems are an important tool for investigating palpitations, syncope and intermittent arrhythmias.

Stress ECG / Exercise ECG

A stress ECG, also known as an exercise ECG or ergometry, records cardiac function during controlled physical exertion, usually in combination with a bicycle or treadmill ergometer. This allows healthcare professionals to identify exercise-induced changes and responses that may not be apparent during a resting ECG. Stress ECG testing is primarily used in cardiology, health screening practices and hospitals.

ECG machine type	Number of channels	Application	Target group	Key feature
Resting ECG	12-channel	Routine stationary diagnostics	Doctors, general practice, hospitals	All-in-one device with display and printer
PC-based ECG	12-channel	Stationary and mobile use with laptop	Doctors, digital practices	Paperless workflow, software included
Mobile/emergency ECG	3-channel to 12-channel	Emergency services, home visits, emergency departments	Emergency medical services, emergency physicians, GPs	Battery-powered, ready for rapid deployment
Holter ECG (long-term ECG)	Usually 3-channel	24–48-hour monitoring	Doctors, cardiologists	Portable recorder, analysis software required
Stress ECG (exercise ECG)	12-channel	Exercise-based cardiac diagnostics	Doctors, cardiology, hospitals	Combination with ergometer

Choosing the Right ECG Machine – Key Factors to Consider

The choice of the right ECG machine depends on the medical speciality, examination requirements and practice structure. A key consideration is the number of channels: for comprehensive diagnostic assessment, a 12-channel ECG machine is the standard choice in most practices, while 3-channel ECG systems offer advantages for mobile diagnostics and long-term monitoring. The intended use is equally important – a resting ECG provides a snapshot of the heart’s activity, a Holter ECG records cardiac activity over an extended period and a stress ECG evaluates the heart’s response to physical exertion. When purchasing an ECG machine for a practice, healthcare professionals should also consider ongoing costs, as consumables such as electrodes and paper, software licences and battery performance can affect the overall cost-effectiveness throughout the device’s service life.

ECG Machine Brands in Our Range

Praxisdienst offers ECG machines from renowned manufacturers, each with their own areas of expertise. The Swiss premium brand Schiller is known for high signal quality. The Schiller Cardiovit AT-1 G2 ECG machine automatically detects misplaced electrodes, covers a wide frequency range and features pacemaker detection to help prevent inaccurate recordings.

The popular Mortara ELI® 150c from Welch Allyn is a compact and portable 12-lead resting ECG system for adults and children. Thanks to its large LCD screen, ECG signals can be viewed in real time, while the wireless acquisition module enables flexible use in clinical environments.

For a paperless practice workflow, the 12-channel PC-based ECG Biocare ECG-2000 provides an efficient solution with evaluation software included. In the Holter ECG segment, the EC-3H Holter ECG machine from Labtech provides reliable long-term ECG analysis with CardioSpy software for automated evaluation of 3-channel recordings.

For exercise testing, the network-compatible SmartScript Ergometry system from Dr. Gerhard Schmidt provides a solution for resting ECG, rhythm ECG and stress ECG examinations with central database connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions about ECG Machines

Which ECG machine is suitable for a medical practice?

The right **ECG machine** depends on the range of examinations offered by the practice. For routine general practice, a stationary **12-channel resting ECG machine** is usually sufficient, while cardiology practices often require additional **Holter ECG** and **stress ECG systems**. Practices with a digital workflow can benefit from a PC-based ECG system, while doctors performing home visits may prefer a mobile ECG machine. As a general rule, the device should cover the examinations actually offered without investing in unused functions.

How much does a professional ECG machine cost?

The price range is broad and depends on the type of device and its features. Basic mobile or PC-based ECG systems start in the lower four-figure range, while fully equipped resting ECG machines with interpretation software or complete ergometry workstations are considerably more expensive. For reliable cost planning, the purchase price should be considered alongside software, accessories and maintenance costs.

How much does a 12-channel ECG machine cost?

A **12-channel ECG machine** is the standard for comprehensive ECG diagnostics in medical practices and is available in various formats – as a stand-alone resting ECG machine, a PC-based ECG system or a mobile device. The price depends on the equipment, printing and software functions as well as the manufacturer. As the range of features directly influences the cost, it is worth comparing several 12-channel models within the required device category.

What is the difference between resting ECG, Holter ECG and stress ECG?

The three methods differ in their examination purpose. A **resting ECG** provides a snapshot of the heart’s electrical activity over a few seconds. A **Holter ECG**, also known as a long-term ECG, records heart rhythm over 24 to 48 hours and can detect intermittent arrhythmias. A **stress ECG** evaluates cardiac function during physical exertion and reveals exercise-related changes. In many medical practices, these three methods complement each other.

How does an ECG machine work?

An **ECG machine** measures the electrical signals generated when the heart muscle is activated. Electrodes attached to the skin detect these signals, which are amplified and recorded as a waveform. The resulting tracing provides information about heart rhythm, rate and electrical conduction. The more leads that are analysed, the more comprehensive the assessment – a **12-channel ECG** evaluates the heart from twelve different perspectives.

Buy ECG Machines at a Great Price from Praxisdienst

With more than 100 ECG machines, Praxisdienst offers a comprehensive range for cardiac diagnostics – from resting ECG machines and mobile or PC-based systems to Holter ECG and stress ECG solutions. Established manufacturers such as Schiller, Biocare and Labtech represent reliable quality, while the attribute filter function allows healthcare professionals to compare devices by type, number of channels and manufacturer to find the right model.

ECG machines are medical devices, and selecting the right system depends on the medical speciality, practice structure and type of examination required. The Praxisdienst expert service team provides personal support by phone, email or live chat to help with product selection.

Further equipment and accessories for medical examinations can be found in the Diagnostics section.