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The Doctor’s In: What Electricity Tells Us About Our Health

One of the earliest lessons parents impart to their children is the importance of staying away from electrical outlets. In fact, it's currently at the top of my babyproofing checklist with my first child, and a lesson grounded in our natural inclination to assume that our bodies and electricity are incompatible.

However, the truth is quite the opposite. Our bodies produce electricity. Electrical impulses form the foundation of our nervous system, and electric potential literally keeps our hearts beating. So, contrary to popular opinion, our bodies and electricity are not estranged; they coexist in remarkable harmony. This understanding has pioneered entire fields dedicated to monitoring the electrical activity of our bodies. Here, I'll delve into how electricity is ingeniously harnessed to measure our health.

The Pulse of Life: Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Our hearts are the ultimate electrical powerhouses. One of those fields springing up from the intersection of electricity and human physiology is electrocardiology. Doctors now specialize in understanding the electrical rhythm of our hearts. Their main tool is the electrocardiogram, or ECG. With electrodes connected to an operational amplifier, this simple yet incredibly powerful tool records the electrical activity of our hearts. By placing electrodes on our skin, this device traces the periodic dance of charged ions in our heart muscles. This dance, known as the cardiac cycle, provides valuable information about our heart's health. Irregularities in this rhythm can hint at a wide range of cardiac conditions, from arrhythmias to heart attacks. With cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death globally, the ECG is one of the most important tools in all of healthcare.

Impedance Cardiogram (ICG)
If the ECG gives us the rhythm, then an impedance cardiogram (ICG) adds depth to our understanding of heart health. It measures changes in electrical impedance within the chest to determine the heart's stroke volume, cardiac output, and even fluid levels in the body. This non-invasive technique can be a game-changer for diagnosing conditions like heart failure, offering valuable insights into how well the heart functions and the body's fluid balance.

Unmasking Cancer: Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT)
When it comes to cancer diagnoses, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a silent superhero. EIT uses a harmless electrical current to create cross-sectional images of the body's tissues. It can identify abnormalities like tumors by measuring how electrical currents pass through different types of tissues. This technology offers a radiation-free and less invasive alternative to traditional imaging methods like X-rays and CT scans, making it particularly promising for pediatric and breast cancer diagnoses.

Beyond BMI: Body Composition Analysis
Our weight may be a significant indicator of our health, but it's only part of the story. Body composition analysis (BCA) takes the concept of "knowing thyself" to a whole new level. By passing a low-level electrical current through the body, BCA distinguishes between fat, muscle, and other tissues. This allows for a more accurate assessment of health risks associated with body composition, such as obesity-related conditions. It's a valuable tool for those aiming to achieve a healthier, more balanced physique.

Neural Engineering: Monitoring Brain Health
The power of electricity doesn't stop with the heart and body composition. It extends to the command center of our bodies: the brain. Neuroelectrics, a field that combines neuroscience and electrical engineering, is advancing our understanding of brain health and disorders. Electroencephalograms (EEGs) record electrical activity in the brain, helping to diagnose conditions like epilepsy and to monitor brain function during surgeries. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) uses low currents to modulate brain activity and has shown potential in treating conditions like depression and chronic pain.

In conclusion, the marriage of electricity and medical technology has ushered in a new era of healthcare. From understanding our heart’s rhythms to diagnosing cancer and assessing body composition, these electrifying advancements are revolutionizing how we monitor and maintain our health. So, the next time you plug in your device, remember that electricity is not just powering your gadgets; it's also shedding light on your well-being, one electric pulse at a time. Embrace this electrifying era of healthcare and take charge of your health, quite literally.

This column originally appeared in the January 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine.