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Posted on Sep 22, 2002, 11 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
UK researchers are developing a hand-held heart monitor that will enable people to tell straight away if they have a problem that requires urgent medical attention. When the patient first gets the personal heart attack detector, they take an ECG by holding the device over their breastbone and placing electrodes on their chest, the device then stores the results.
UK researchers are developing a hand-held heart monitor that will enable people to tell straight away if they have a problem that requires urgent medical attention. When the patient first gets the personal heart attack detector, they take an ECG by holding the device over their breastbone and placing electrodes on their chest, the device then stores the results. If the patient then experiences chest pain he carries out another ECG, the machine compares it to the results of the original ECG and alert the patient if there is any sign of heart attack or angina. More than 40% of patients experiencing chest pain wait more than an hour before seeking medical help - such delays can often have fatal consequences. The researchers behind the device believe that it could save thousands of lives by encouraging people to get help immediately. The personal heart attack detector should be available within 2-3 years and should cost less than $150.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: reported by www.bbc.co.uk on the 21st May 2002
