| Description |
Wireless ECG’s that are wearable and accurate enough for FDA approval is hard to
come by for patients; either the ECG system is not accurate enough or not comfortable
enough to wear. The scope of our project is to build a 3 lead wireless ECG system that is
wearable. It will be able to analyze the cycle of 5 waves an ECG consists of and provide
feedback to the user based on irregularities within the waveform, and general
knowledge such as heart rate via a phone application. The most important components
of the 5 waves will be the QT intervals, the ST segments, and the periodicity of the QRS
complex. If concerned with the feedback, the user can forward their graph to a doctor
who can verify the results and provide further tests. The use of dry contact electrodes
will be our method of acquiring the electrocardiography, ECG. In hospital care wet
ECGs are common as it acts as an insulator between the skin and the electrode. Wet gel
requires longer patient preparation, can be irritating for the skin, and it is a method
that can be expendable. As we push towards a more independent use of ECGs, clients
themselves will be able to stick electrode patches to their skin (how to strap/stick
electrodes to the body is yet to be determined). The project will allow for users to
constantly monitor their heart health, and use the results from their wearable ECG
device to contact a doctor if the results are potentially concerning
1. Heart rate functionality: Measure the R waves from the ECG, using that to
calculate the heart rate of the user
2. The QT interval represents the time during which the ventricles are stimulated
and recover after the stimulation, this interval shortens at a faster heart rate and
lengthens at a slower heart rate. We can use the QT interval then to analyze a
user’s heart rate, if the QT interval reduces below a certain rate we can notify
the user or doctor so the user is aware that their heart may not be functioning
properly (weaker contractions, the heart is weaker). Patients with hereditary
long QT interval are vulnerable to dangerous or rapid ventricular rhythms
3. The ST segment of the QRS complex can provide insights on potential heart
attacks. If the ST-segment goes up or down (elevation or displacement) relative
to the user’s baseline. The user can be alerted
4. We can check for irregularity of the QRS signal which can be an indication for
atrial fibrillation.
Willingness to collaborate with Sig.num Preemptive Healthcare to
help develop their product |