A research scientist working at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a user-friendly smart phone application that allows consumers to take an electrocardiogram (ECG) in the comfort of their own homes. The pocket-size device communicates with your mobile phone. Irregularities in the heartbeat can be seen with the application which helps to prevent heart and stress-related disorders.

The device allows patients suffering from heart problems to begin recording their ECG as soon as symptoms appear and to send the results to their doctor via email or the internet. The device can also be used in home nursing.

The objective is to launch the device within a year.

Cardiologists use continuous monitoring devices known as Holter monitors to detect irregular heartbeat. In many cases, the patient presents no symptoms during the test and the cause of the problems cannot be established. The Finnish invention is also capable of measuring heart rate variability.

Moreover, the device can be used to detect the symptoms of burnout resulting from work-related stress.

With further development, the device can be adapted to monitoring the sleep patterns of patients suffering from sleep apnea and to warn them of imminent attacks. The device has potential in preventing certain musculoskeletal disorders such as neck, shoulder and lower back pain, tennis elbow and repetitive strain injury, which are common among office workers.

The new Beat2Phone application measures electronic heart signals not just for the purposes of health but also physical fitness.

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