Why electronic stethoscopes is better

The problem of faulty hearts has been a pressing matter in the medical community for some time, particularly when it comes to diagnosing congenital heart defects or heart malfunctions. Fortunately, modern medicine has its finger on the pulse, releasing incredible innovations with regard to heart murmur detection.

Before the introduction of the electronic stethoscope, doctors utilised the traditional acoustic stethoscope. However, it can prove to be especially difficult for general practitioners to accurately diagnose between pathological (harmful) and physiological (innocent) heart murmurs. This can be further compounded when dealing with paediatric patients who have a higher heart rate than adults.

• Up to 80% – 90% of children have heart murmurs.
• Eight out of 1 000 naturally birthed infants will present congenital heart defects.
• 61% of heart murmurs that are referred to paediatric cardiologists turn out to be benign.

By using an acoustic stethoscope, practitioners rely on their ears and their years of training to make a diagnosis and with children this can leave room for uncertainty.

Source: http://www.sensicardiac.com/latestnews/47-stethoscopes-why-electronic-is-better.html