Diagnosis of the Electrocardiogram Using a Smartphone

Abstract

Electrocardiograms can be used for diagnosing various cardiac conditions. They are traditionally printed as a hard copy on thermal graph paper, which a clinician can then use to support the overall diagnosis. Nevertheless, as technology evolves aspects of healthcare are embracing these technological advancements. One such technology that is being accepted is the Smartphone. Lightweight, portable and with impressive processing speed, smartphones are becoming a familiar sight within healthcare, and used not only for the purposes of making phone calls. There are many healthcare applications available which are already proving popular amongst clinicians and patients, such as WebMD, Trusted Health and Wellness Information as well as First Aid - Emergency Handbook. Additionally, with a range of five to twelve mega pixel camera as standard, images can be taken and details can be presented in ways previously not thought possible. This paper reports upon the motivations of using a smartphone within healthcare and describes the findings of having fifteen electrocardiograms diagnoses using an Apple iPhone by a clinician.