The QRS(ECP): Mini ECG for heart and stress monitoring at home and wherever you go

The small, handy QRS(ECP) provides heart and stress monitoring at home and wherever you go. The QRS(ECP) is quick and easy to use and is therefore ideal for everyone wishing to look after their health and take preventive action against heart disease. Regular measurements of the Cardio Stress Index (CSI) with the QRS(ECP) will help you to recognise any risk factors in good time and to respond accordingly. For example, by active sport or regular relaxation techniques, sensible diet and avoiding stress in everyday life.

The QRS(ECP) principle: Simply place onto the chest

After just two minutes you

can read your Cardio Stress

Index (CSI) on the display.

The QRS(ECP) is based on a professional method which has been used for years in doctors’ surgeries. This proven technology is now also available to private users. The QRS(ECP) is placed on the chest and within two minutes it shows the current stress load of the heart on an ECG basis. The QRS(ECP) converts the calculated data into a three-dimensional colour electrocardioportrait which is shown on the integrated colour display. In addition, the QRS(ECP) provides information about the current heart rate and any heart rhythm irregularities.

The result: Green, yellow or red

The presentation of the measured results on the QRS(ECP) display is brilliantly simple. The current Cardio Stress Index (CSI) is shown in traffic-light colours, quickly and simply. Green colour in the electrocardioportrait means that there are no deviations, yellow and red colour indicates slight to significant deviations compared with the standard values stored in the device.


Green and blue: No deviations.	Yellow and green: Slight deviations.	Red and purple: Distinct deviations.

All the measured data is stored in the QRS(ECP). Using the QRS(ECP) software you can transfer the stored measurements by USB cable to your PC and process it there. You can discuss your results with your doctor or health coach for whom it is very easy to evaluate the measured results and take any measures required.

Which values are displayed by the QRS(ECP)?

The QRS(ECP) shows your heart‘s Cardio Stress Index (CSI). The CSI is calculated from certain parts of the signal from the ECG. The calculation uses parameters for heart rate variability that are derived from the signal, which can both change in cases of serious heart disease and, in terms of a general analysis, also provide information on the state of health of the entire organism. In addition to this, the QRS(ECP) measures and displays the heart rate (pulse), the length of ventricular excitation (QRS duration), as well as an individual parameter for heart rate variability (RRSD).

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What does the Electrocardioportrait QRS(ECP) show me?

The measurement values heart rate, Cardio Stress Index and heart rhythm are again presented graphically in the electrocardioportrait. Each area of the electrocardioportrait represents a particular piece of information. The following applies: Areas which are coloured green indicate a correlation of the measured values and the standard values stored in the device, red or purple areas indicate a deviation. In the middle of the graphic (electrocardioportrait) you can see the so-called stress top. This represents the Cardio Stress Index. Above the stress top you can see a graphical representation of the heart rate, underneath the stress top is the heart rhythm. In other words, the portrait consists of 3 „building blocks“:

Cardio Stress Index (located in the middle, the so-called „stress top“)
Herzfrequenz (upper area)
Herzrhythmus (lower area)

The following illustration explains the colouring of the electrocardioportrait:

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What does the Cardio Stress Index (CSI) indicate?

The Cardio Stress Index, CSI in brief, indicates how stressed your heart / cardiovascular system is right now.

Heart rate variability: A healthy human heart does not beat – unlike most people assume – at an exactly regular rate, in terms of the length of time between beats, but rather slightly irregularly. In other words, it displays a beat-to-beat variation. This is normal and shows that the organism, and thus also the heart, is being constantly influenced by external and internal stimuli, to which it must react in an adequate fashion. Thus, for example, a stress situation, brought on by bodily and/or mental strain, leads to an adjustment reaction of the heart. This can be noticeable, such as increased heart rate, or more subtle, as in a reduction of the variation range of the heart rate from beat to beat. This variation range of the heart rate from beat to beat is known as the heart rate variability (HRV).

Various parameters for the HRV are transferred via algorithms (measurement

value evaluation formulae) into the Cardio Stress Index (CSI). In accordance with these the CSI then provides information about heart rate variability. A value of 20% or less corresponds to a high variability; higher values represent correspondingly reduced variability.

Please note: the Cardio Stress Index is a very dynamic factor. It can change within minutes, in accordance with the body‘s natural adaptability. It is also quite possible, after a stressful day, for this value to rise to more than 10 to 15 percent above the previously measured ‚normal‘ value.

What exactly is meant by heart rate?

The heart rate reflects the frequency of heart beats per minute; it depends on age, sex, metabolic activity, physical and psychological stress, fitness and other factors (increase in case of running a temperature). The heart rate is also called pulse rate or pulse. Strictly speaking, there is a difference, since the pulse is taken by palpation, i.e. by pressing a finger on the pulse of the wrist or the neck, whereas the heart rate is directly measured and recorded via the ECG signal. It is thus more accurate than taking the pulse.

What does the heart rhythm tell me?

The heart rhythm indicates the heart beat rate. A normal heart beat sequence reflects the smooth function of the cardiac muscle which pumps blood into the vessels in two stages (diastole and systole). Irregularities of the normal heart beat rate can be caused by patholiogical processes in the stimulus impulse and conduction in the cardiac muscle. There are various types and manifestations of cardiac dysrhythmia which can be diagnosed with the help of an ECG (electrocardiograph). Cardiac dysrhythmia are, for example, arrhythmia, extrasystoles, atrial fibrillation, or flutter and ventricular flutter or fibrillation.

What does QRS duration (ventricular excitation) mean?

Ventricular excitation is one part of the electrical heart processes. Anatomically speaking, the heart is separated in two atriums and two ventricles. Ventricular excitation thus describes an electrical discharge in the heart chambers. These electrical cardiac processes and possible dysfunctions can be recorded and made visible with the help of an electrocardiograph (ECG). The ventricular excitation is depicted as QRS wave complex in the electrocardiogram.

If QRS value is more than 110 ms, please do further checks. If results are confirmed please consult a doctor.

What does RRSD (standard deviation) mean?

The RRSD is the standard deviation in milliseconds from the interval between the individual heart beats. It is calculated from the recorded individual values of the intervals. The higher the standard deviation is, the greater the discrepancy from one beat to the next. It is assumed, therefore, that the heart is able to react flexibly and quickly to all incoming stimuli. Hence the greater the standard deviation is, the more flexible the heart reaction will be.

Low RRSD-values indicate a reduced heart rate variability which means an increased Cardio Stress Index (CSI). So normally high CSI-values are accompanied by low RRSD. Very high RRSD-values may be an indicator of artefacts or arrhythmia. If RRSD is more than 100 ms it is recommended to repeat measurement to avoid artefacts. Artefacts may occur when you move or speak during the measurement.

Even if you use a QRS(ECP) you should still visit your doctor for regular check-ups or if there are any indications of possible illness.

For more information: www.the-qrs.com

Use of the QRS(ECP) has been proven safe and effective in Europe and Australia. As yet, no medical claims
are made or implied concerning use or application in the Singapore.