3. Setting the default parameters

• The ECG device determines the type of the connected ECG machine.
• Demo, no ECG: there is no connected ECG device, a simulated, not real, stored demo ECG curve is looped to simulate ECG recording.
• USB: USB-version connected to USB port.
• Inner ECG Card:  Cardiax-D extension card is used, which is built into the computer.
• ECG on LPT:  (LPT1, LPT2 or LPT3) printer port ECG device is connected to the specified printer port.
• Network files: observation of monitoring of an other computer on local area network.
• The Leads, monitoring Speed and the Amplitude parameters can be changed during the recording. By every new recording these default values will be used, unless they are changed.
• Diagnosis: if switched on automatic diagnosis can be executed, otherways it is disabled.
• Filter: 35Hz: muscle-noise filter, 50Hz and 100Hz or 60Hz and 120Hz: mains filter (it is adviseable to have these turned on), 0.1Hz baseline fluctuation reduction filter
• Sound: state of QRS-complex detection signal
• Recording: the length of the stored ECG segment, 8, 16 or 32 sec
• J+60/80: the method of calculation of the end of the ST segment, for more information see chapter Stress test
• Electrode placement: the actual placement of electrodes. Important for storage, later evaluation of ECG recordings.
• Leads: the lead combination the ECG curves will be represented with.
• Rhythm: You can select any of the 12 leads to be the rhythm stripe on the median screen.
• Free selected: It is possible to monitor any 3 or 6 channels in the recording. Here you can select which 3 or 6 you want to see.

3.2 Defining pages to print

Different prints can be created of the same ECG records. This function allows the predefinition of print-types which can be used later at printing time. Lead combinations and start or end of recording can be selected. The latter is needed when the whole record is too big to fit as well as on the monitor and the printed page. (Consider an 8 sec record with 12 leads, 25mm/sec. The start of record would be the first 4 seconds, the end of the record would be the remaining 4 seconds record. Considering a 6 sec record with 25mm/sec resolution where the whole 8 sec record can be seen on one page - in this case there is no difference in selecting the start or end of the record.)
Median and parameter settings can also be set to print or not.
With ergometry the List of records, Graphs, ST trend and ST level can be selected.

3.3 Setting the size and color of the Monitor Window

You can customize here the general appearance of the windows (monitor, ECG-ruler, medians) in Cardiax. Colours can be set separately for the elements of graphs by clicking its button and selecting from the upcoming dailog, or you can choose from three presets (Default).
By selecting Shrink height, the monitor window’s height will change proportionally to the number of channels displayed. It can be usefull, when other running programs also need to be seen on the display.
Thick ECG curve provides better visibility on the screen and on the printing.
When Multiple monitor windows is checked, each ECG record appears in its own individual window.
Big longtime monitor window provides more information displayed during longtime recording, similar to
Always on top ensures that the monitor window is always seen above other running applications.
Fontsize determines the used fontsize in all Cardiax windows. Note that other, operating system dependent fonts like in menus and on system-messageboxes cannot be changed here. It is advisable to choose the maximum size that fits your display resolution.

Stress Test setup

3.4 Setting the user information and the doctors' initials

Doctors: The first column of the table is for the doctor's initials, the second for his/her full name. Initials are used on the Patient Card, to indicate which doctor the patient belongs to. In printing only the full name appears.

3.5 Upgrade options

You can see information about the version numbers (ECG device, Software) and the list of possible options. An option is enabled if it is checked in the list

Options are the following:

• Network database: to use the software over a local area network. Recording is possible using the server software running on the computer with the ECG device connected. The created database can be viewed on all workstations.
• Stress test: if the stress test option is enabled, then the device can automatically control the ergometer/bicycle as well as save and store stress test 12-lead ECGs.
• Distant monitoring: online observation of ECG monitoring over a local area network. This function is useful for example during stress tests, when an observing doctor is able to view the ECG curves on another computer.

 If you want to purchase a new option:

3.6 Password protection for using Cardiax

You can prevent the unauthorized usage of the program by creating an optional entry password. After giving the new password, you have to re-type it to confirm. If the new password and the confirmed password are not identical, a warning message appears and the password is not changed. When you next start the program, the system will ask for the new password.
 

3.7 Mail settings

The mail function allows you to send stored patient cards (folders) and ECG recordings through e-mail.
Address of remote mailbox: the e-mail address of the recipient
Address of local mailbox: the e-mail address of you, the user
Password: the password used for usual e-mailing
The SMTP and POP server names can be obtained from the mailer client if set, or from the Internet provider.