Course detail

Cardiac Diagnostics

FEKT-MPAN-DVKAcad. year: 2026/2027

Students will learn how to record cardiac activity using appropriate diagnostic instruments, process and filter the acquired data, and correctly interpret the results of diagnostic examinations. The course emphasizes the integration of anatomy, physiology, technical aspects of ECG acquisition, and diagnostic methods, enabling students to understand the relationships between these areas and apply them in practice.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Entry knowledge

Work in the laboratory is conditional on holding a valid qualification as an “instructed person” (§ 4 of Government Regulation No. 194/2022 Coll.), which students must obtain before classes begin. Information regarding this qualification is set out in the Dean’s Directive “Informing Students about Safety Regulations”.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The learning outcomes of the course are assessed based on points from laboratory exercises, the credit test, and the final exam. A minimum of 50 points is required to successfully complete the course. Participation in laboratory exercises is mandatory, while lectures are optional. Grading: laboratory exercises – 20 points, credit test – 10 points, final exam – 70 points.

Aims

The aim of the course is to introduce students to fundamental methods and techniques used in cardiological diagnostics.

Study aids

Studijní opory jsou součástí e-learningu kurzu. 

 

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

MARSCHALL S. R., Netter's cardiology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier, 2010. ISBN 14-377-0637-1.
WEBSTER, John G a John W CLARK. Medical instrumentation: application and design. 4th ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley, c2010. ISBN 978-0471676003.

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPA-BTB Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme MPCN-BTB Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme MPAN-BIO Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

  • Programme MPCN-BIO Master's

    specialization MPC-BIO_TECH , 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    specialization MPC-SPORT_TECH , 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

  1. Introduction to the cardiac diagnosis – course objectives, integration of anatomy, physiology and technical methods
  2. Anatomy and physiology of the heart – heart structure and chambers, pulmonary and systemic circulation, valves, heart wall: endocardium, myocardium, epicardium, coronary circulation
  3. Lead systems and vectorcardiography – multi-lead ECG, bipolar and unipolar leads, Goldberger leads, twelve-lead ECG, vectorcardiography, cardiac axis
  4. ECG acquisition – hardware – electrodes and placement, isotonic gel, Ag/AgCl electrodes, dynamic range and bandwidth, input impedance, noise suppression, protection against impulses, amplifiers, galvanic isolation
  5. ECG acquisition – software – detection of stimuli, global waves and intervals, ECG presentation (conventional and Cabrera), ECG testers, standards and regulations
  6. ECG filtering – noise sources (baseline drift, hum, myopotentials), software filtering, QRS enhancement, linear, nonlinear and adaptive filters
  7. R-wave detection – detection principles, QRS spectrum and morphology, Pan–Tompkins algorithm, alternative detection methods
  8. Heart rate variability (HRV) – tachogram, preprocessing, detrending, R-wave error correction, time, geometric and frequency-domain methods, HRV parameters, non-clinical applications
  9. Arrhythmology – ECG measurement and analysis, heart rate, intervals and segments, complex morphology, tachycardia/bradycardia, respiratory arrhythmia, multifocal, junctional and ventricular rhythms, extrasystoles, blocks, electrophysiology, catheter ablation
  10. Optical mapping of the heart – action potential: origin, morphology, refractory periods, optical recording, propagation in the heart wall, vector visualization

                    Laboratory exercise

                    26 hours, compulsory

                    Teacher / Lecturer

                    Syllabus

                    1. Recording and evaluation of single-lead ECG using medical-grade and wearable systems.
                    2. Recording and assessment of changes in cardiac axis inclination during sitting, supine position, and controlled breathing.
                    3. Design and construction of a simple ECG sensor on a solderless breadboard.
                    4. Construction of an ECG sensor using an Olimex shield and the Arduino platform.
                    5. Real-time visualization of the ECG waveform in the Processing environment.
                    6. Software-based filtering of noise and artifacts in ECG signals, including analysis of their impact on ECG readability.
                    7. Implementation of algorithms for R-wave detection.
                    8. Use of software libraries for heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and their comparative evaluation (benchmarking).
                    9. Identification of arrhythmological phenomena in ECG recordings and work with cardiac arrhythmia simulators. 

                    Individual preparation for laboratories

                    13 hours, optionally

                    Teacher / Lecturer

                    Syllabus

                    Before laboratory exercises, students independently study the provided materials, which include task instructions, presentations, and supplementary information available on the e-learning platform. The preparation aims to ensure understanding of the underlying physical and technical principles, mastery of experimental procedures, and readiness to actively participate in laboratory work. 

                    Individual preparation for a final exam

                    32 hours, optionally

                    Teacher / Lecturer

                    Syllabus

                    During individual preparation for the final exam, students review the main principles, methods, and technical aspects covered in the course. They work through the provided list of exam questions and reinforce their understanding of diagnostic procedures and practical applications.