The Medical Cardiology
Department
The Medical Cardiology Department has a very rich history. We start with some information about the ECG (electrocardiogram) – a ‘heart trace’ which provides vital information about heart health. ECG analysis technology developed in Glasgow is used worldwide; ‘The University of Glasgow ECG interpretation program.’ The images are courtesy of Professor Peter Macfarlane, Emeritus Professor (formerly Prof of Medical Cardiology 1991-1995 and Electrocardiology 1995-2010)
The very first UK made commercial automated ECG system; an axial lead system with University of Glasgow XYZ analysis program, based on analysis of 3 leads. None of these was sold but it was the very first system of its kind in the UK.
The ECG recordings in the landmark West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study – WOSCOPS – were undertaken on the Siemens Siccard 440 which had the University of Glasgow analysis program inside. WOSCOPS, which studied the effects of pravastatin, led to the widespread use of statins.
Below is the Atria 6000 electrocardiograph from around the early 2000s with “Glasgow inside”. This was the best selling ECG machine in family practice in North America for many years. The close up of the screen shows the start-up display with the University logo. For many years, some vendors advertised their devices as having the Glasgow Royal Infirmary program inside and others with the University of Glasgow program inside. The latter is legally correct!