What are Telemetry Signals?

The development of telemetry signal equipment has been the means of saving many lives over the years. Here are some facts about the nature of telemetry signals and how they are used in the medical profession.

Telemetry signals are essentially frequency waves that can be used to monitor the activity level of an object. In most cases, some sort of equipment is attached to the object that is to be observed and wiring from the object allows for the transmission of telemetry signals. These telemetry signals are then used to create a graphed history of the activity.

Many people owe their lives to the use of equipment that utilized telemetry signals in the medical field to monitor the function of the heart. Persons who are suspected of having some sort of heart condition may be attached with the use of electrodes to a portable EKG machine. For several days, the machine will receive telemetry signals identifying heart activity, including the rhythm of the beats and the strength of each beat. The data received by way of the telemetry signals can help to spot irregular heartbeats and other situations that indicate the development of heart disease or a heart problem that needs immediate attention.

In addition to the portable units, hospitals often use telemetry signals to monitor the well being of patients while they are recovering from surgery or illness. In some cases, electrodes will be attached to the chest or to the head as part of the monitoring process. The advantage of these types of devices is that they allow for real time monitoring of telemetry signals, including any sudden changes in the frequency or strength of the heartbeat. The hospital staff can quickly address any sudden changes in heart rhythms indicated by the telemetry signals. Should the attending physician think it is prudent to continue some sort of monitoring after the patient leaves the hospital, there is not technology that allows for wireless telemetry signals to be received and recorded, by placing a small implant under the skin. The implant can easily be removed in the doctor’s office at a later date.

The use of telemetry signals as a means of isolating poor health conditions and monitoring recovery periods has led to many lives being saved over the years. As medical technology continues to improve, telemetry signals will no doubt provide even more valuable data that will help medical professionals identify and treat life-threatening conditions more efficiently.