Citation. Cassirer, E. F.; Kuechle, V. B.; Kreeger, T. J. 1988. Optimum placement of electrodes for heart rate telemetry. Tenth International Symposium on Biotelemetry. Fayetteville, Arizona.   [1263  CC]

Abstract. Heart rate transmitters are triggered by changes in cardiac electropotentials. Knowledge of electrocardiogram (ECG) amplitude, variability, and form can improve the performance of the transmitters. ECGs taken along and across the sternum on elk (Cervus elaphus) and wolves (Canis lupus) revealed significant (p < .01) variability in signal strength among locations of electrodes and among individuals. Differences in form between wolf and elk ECGs were also apparent. Recommended electrode placements are at the xiphoid process and midway to three-quarters up the midline of the sternum in wolves, and at the manubrium and 10-30 cm posteriorly along the midline in elk. Recommended minimum threshold voltages for transmitters are .4 mv in elk, and 1.0 mv in wolves at these locations. Use of an ECG monitor in the field is recommended because of the variability in ECGs.

Keywords. Electrocardiography, biotelemetry, elk, wolves, heart rate