Final answer:
The best equipment for monitoring cardiac arrhythmias is an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), especially a 12-lead ECG for detailed information, and a Holter monitor for continuous monitoring of heart activity over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best piece of equipment for monitoring cardiac arrhythmias is an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG is an essential clinical diagnostic tool that records the heart's complex electrical signals through the careful placement of surface electrodes on the body. A state-of-the-art 12-lead ECG, which uses 10 electrodes placed in standard locations, can provide a wealth of information about the heart's condition, including the detection of subtle changes over time or regions of damaged heart tissue known as infarcts. For continuous monitoring in ambulatory patients, a Holter monitor, which is a small, portable, and battery-operated device worn by the patient, is typically used to monitor heart activity, usually for a 24-hour period during the patient's normal routine.