Category: ECG/EKG Applications

The combination of Internet technology and elderly care services has become more common. The continuous development of new technology application scenarios such as the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence and blockchain has provided unlimited possibilities for the development of intelligent elderly care. With the support of high-tech, smart pension can extend to all aspects of the elderly’s life, including food and drink, medical care, leisure and entertainment, home safety, and other aspects, and the services provided are more timely, efficient and landing. For example, the application of Internet of Things technology can monitor the health of the elderly in a timely manner, respond to emergencies in a timely manner and notify relevant guardians to rescue them in a timely manner, which is a function that traditional elderly care services can’t match. This requires that intelligent elderly care equipment must be intelligent and accurate in data collection.

According to the research, the proportion of elderly people suffering from cardiovascular diseases has reached more than 50%. The elderly are prone to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, which often leads to the decline of immune function. Therefore, the middle-aged and elderly, especially those with cardiovascular diseases, need to be more vigilant.

ECG can detect and diagnose heart disease in the elderly at an early stage. The elderly with basic diseases should check ECG regularly to strengthen the management and control of chronic diseases. For the elderly without basic diseases, it is difficult to detect abnormalities in ordinary ECG, so remote dynamic ECG real-time monitoring can be selected to detect cardiovascular diseases at an early stage.

The remote ECG monitoring system of Plus1Health combined with remote ECG, AI, cloud data service and Internet industry technology, takes the artificial intelligence ECG analysis software as the core, automatically identifies the early warning value of ECG terminals, uploads data to AI cloud service quick diagnosis, and professional ECG analysts review, and provides remote all-weather high-quality real-time cardiac monitoring, realizing effective interaction between patients, guardians, and nursing homes, Timely detect, prevent and track heart disease to reduce the risk of disease outbreak.

Advantages of remote ECG monitoring system：

1. Automatic analysis and early warning: real-time online monitoring, finding abnormal data of patients exceeding the valve value, triggering early warning, realizing ECG data collection and front-end analysis, abnormal ECG data analysis and early warning.

2. Real-time monitoring: through mobile signals, real-time abnormal ECG data is monitored 24 hours a day, without geographical restrictions, and ECG information is recorded safely and completely everywhere.

3. Data storage: the terminal automatically records the working status and important patient information in a circular manner, which cannot be deleted or modified manually.

4. Data sharing: real-time monitoring data and reports can be sent to guardians or other binding personnel remotely.

5. Cloud service: the whole ECG analysis and monitoring process is based on Internet cloud service. Health care institutions do not need to add special supporting equipment. As long as the elderly are equipped with ECG equipment, they can achieve efficient processing by connecting to the cloud platform with Internet data.

The remote ECG monitoring system of Plus1Health all adopts the Internet and medical mode, so that the elderly ECG monitoring service can be seen, touched, and no distance. Continuous real-time monitoring allows the elderly to do a good job in the early prevention of sudden onset, and can detect their own routine ECG data anytime and anywhere, providing good protection and major disease prevention for themselves.

Remote dynamic ECG can help the rapid development of the Internet and medical service model in the health care industry, achieve 24-hour continuous remote ECG monitoring, timely detect hidden ECG abnormalities, and play an early warning role in disease prevention and treatment; The system utilizes the national 4G data coverage to realize the cross-regional extension from the service hospital to the health care and then to the home care. The service breaks through the geographical and time constraints, and seamlessly connects with the health care institutions and the home care; The multiple efficient models of Internet, AI and cloud services shorten the distance between hospitals, health care institutions and elderly patients, and provide heart care services for the majority of elderly patients.

Plus1Health ECG patch is continuously monitoring 24 hours of ambulatory ECG. It can be measured not only by chest heart patch, but also by handheld devices. It is very portable. ECG patch is composed of wireless ECG monitor and ECG patch. It adopts high-precision biosensor, flexible circuit design, and perfectly fits the skin. Connect the mobile intelligent terminal applet to wirelessly transmit the ECG waveform in real time. After the monitoring is completed, the automatic analysis report of dynamic electrocardiogram can be generated, and the doctor can also be applied for online consultation.

There are two detection methods for ECG stickers: handheld and heart stickers.

1. Handheld mode:

When the user suddenly feels unwell and wants to quickly detect the electrocardiogram, he can choose to use the method of holding hands to detect the routine electrocardiogram for a short time, which is convenient and fast, and can be measured anytime and anywhere. After the detection, a reference report will be automatically generated. The user only needs to use the host alone, touch the metal electrode on the host with both fingers, and connect the small program to complete the measurement.

2. Heart sticking method:

When users want to continuously monitor the ECG for a long time, they can choose to use the chest patch to detect the dynamic ECG. This function can collect the dynamic ECG for 24 hours. After the measurement is completed, the reference report of the dynamic ECG will also be automatically generated. Users only need to install the host into the ECG stick shell, use two disposable electrodes to stick to the chest position, fix the whole device, and connect the applet to start collecting the dynamic ECG.

The latest tweet from IANS India said: “It is reported that the family of a 12-year-old girl believed that the heart monitoring function of Apple Watch saved her life – helping to find a rare cancer in children.”

One night, Imani Mile’s Apple Watch began to remind her of abnormal heart rate rise.

Jessica Kitchen, Imani Mile’s mother, took her to the hospital and the doctor diagnosed her with appendicitis. During the operation, they found a neuroendocrine related cancer in her appendix, which is rare in children.

The doctor later learned that the cancer had spread to other parts of Imani Mile’s body. She underwent surgery at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and removed the remaining cancerous disease. “If she didn’t have that watch, the situation would be worse,” Jessica Kitchen told Hour Detroit.

In July this year, Apple Watch helped doctors find a rare tumor in the heart of a woman who had received many warnings of atrial fibrillation.

This is a real case, which can be viewed on OrissaPOST——“Apple Watch helps detect rare cancer in 12-yr-old girl ”.

How does the ECG Watch monitor your ECG？

Every heartbeat produces a tiny amount of electricity. The ECG smart watch can track and analyze these electrical signals with its advanced ECG sensor.

ECG is a diagnostic test used to diagnose cardiac abnormalities, such as arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease, cardiac arrest, etc.

If the ECG smart watch cannot detect cardiac arrest, but can detect arrhythmia or irregular rhythm, this may be an early signal of cardiac arrest. Therefore, if your smart watch detects and reminds you of arrhythmia, you must rush to the nearby hospital immediately.

Plus1Health can provide the solution of ECG smart watch, and health starts from the core.

Atrial fibrillation, referred to as atrial fibrillation for short, is one of the most common arrhythmias. It refers to the loss of regular and orderly atrial electrical activity, which is replaced by rapid and disorderly fibrillation waves. It is a serious disorder of atrial electrical activity. It usually shows irregular and fast heart rate, which is caused by the loss of normal rhythm of the atrium. Atrial fibrillation not only affects the quality of life of patients, but also causes thromboembolism, heart failure and other complications in severe cases. The most serious complication is stroke.

Atrial fibrillation is generally divided into the following categories according to the frequency and duration of attack:

1. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: duration ≤ 7 days (generally ≤ 48 hours);

2. Persistent atrial fibrillation: duration>7 days;

3. Long-term persistent atrial fibrillation: the duration is ≥ 1 year, and the patient has the desire to restore normal rhythm and receive corresponding treatment to restore sinus rhythm;

4. Permanent atrial fibrillation: lasting for more than 1 year, which cannot be stopped or recurred after termination. The doctor and the patient jointly decided to give up the restoration of sinus rhythm.

In addition to the above categories, there are some special types of atrial fibrillation in clinic, such as:

1. First diagnosis of atrial fibrillation: atrial fibrillation found in the first diagnosis;

2. Non-valve ward fibrillation: duration>1 year, refers to atrial fibrillation without rheumatic mitral stenosis, mechanical/biological valve replacement, mitral valve repair, etc;

3. Silent atrial fibrillation: also known as asymptomatic atrial fibrillation, refers to atrial fibrillation without clinical symptoms.

When you have atrial fibrillation, you can use the following app to monitor your heart rate, record it, and give it to the doctor for reference.

A free check atrial fibrillation app——”AFibCheck“：‎AFibCheck on the App Store (apple.com).

There are many reasons for atrial fibrillation, including both heart and lung diseases and endocrine system diseases. Normal people may also have atrial fibrillation under the conditions of emotional excitement, alcohol consumption and tiredness, and the incidence of atrial fibrillation will also increase with age. The elderly with upper respiratory tract infection or water sodium retention are also easy to induce atrial fibrillation.

1. Organic heart disease

(1) Rheumatic heart disease

About 33.7% of the causes of atrial fibrillation are caused by mitral stenosis and insufficiency.

(2) Coronary heart disease

The incidence of atrial fibrillation was 1.5% in patients with coronary heart disease and angina pectoris confirmed by coronary angiography, and 3.8% in patients with old myocardial infarction; the incidence of acute myocardial infarction was 8.2%. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was 11% in patients with normal coronary artery confirmed by coronary angiography due to chest pain.

(3) Hypertensive heart disease

Many small arterial lumens of the atrial muscle can be narrowed or completely occluded due to the thickening of the intima, resulting in ischemic changes and fibrosis of the local myocardium.

(4) Hyperthyroidism

In the early stage, there was focal necrosis and lymphocyte infiltration in the myocardium. In patients with a long course of disease, the myocardium often presented small and localized fibrosis, with an incidence of 5%. It was mostly seen in patients aged 40 to 45 years old, and it was mostly paroxysmal in young patients.

(5) Sick sinus syndrome

The occurrence of atrial fibrillation can be promoted when the local muscular fiber structure of the sinus node artery is poorly developed, the collagen structure is abnormal, and the degeneration around the sinus node, especially the degeneration around the sinus node and the abnormality of sinus impulse.

(6) Cardiomyopathy

All types of cardiomyopathy are often accompanied by focal atrial muscle inflammation, degeneration or fibrosis, and atrial enlargement, which easily lead to the occurrence of atrial fibrillation. Among them, atrial fibrillation in patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy is often the first manifestation of the disease, with a high incidence.

(7) Other heart diseases

Such as pulmonary heart disease (the incidence is 4% – 5%, most of which are paroxysmal, and the incidence will decrease after the improvement of respiratory function), chronic constrictive pericarditis, congenital heart disease, etc. Atrial fibrillation belongs to focal origin atrial fibrillation with increased self-discipline, while partial paroxysmal, partial persistent and chronic atrial fibrillation is caused by local micro-return mechanism in atrium, pulmonary vein and vena cava.

2. Preexcitation syndrome

It may be due to the short refractory period of the accessory pathway in patients with preexcitation syndrome. Once the reentry condition is established, the impulse through the accessory pathway increases, and this impulse reenters into the left atrial stress phase, which can induce atrial fibrillation. The incidence of atrial fibrillation complicated by preexcitation was 11.5%~39%. Atrial fibrillation associated with preexcitation syndrome is considered to be serious, because the bypass does not have the protective effect of physiological conduction delay like the atrioventricular node, so the ventricular rate transmitted via the bypass is more than 180 times/min, which seriously affects the cardiac output.

3. Other diseases

(1) Systemic invasive diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, leukemia, amyloidosis, etc.

(2) Pulmonary and systemic infections and chronic pulmonary insufficiency.

(3) Heart surgery and trauma.

(4) Digitalis poisoning, aconitine poisoning, nicotine poisoning can induce atrial fibrillation.

(5) Various cardiac catheterization, transesophageal electrical stimulation and electrical cardioversion can directly induce atrial fibrillation.

(6) Alcoholism,smoking, emotional excitement, excessive smoking and urination can directly occur or induce atrial fibrillation on the basis of the original heart disease.

4. Familial atrial fibrillation

It is caused by gene mutation. The genetic mode belongs to AD inheritance. It mostly occurs after adulthood and is paroxysmal. Atrial fibrillation occurs and terminates unconsciously. The symptoms of atrial fibrillation attack are relatively mild, which are mainly induced by fatigue, nervousness, infection, pain, drinking, smoking and the cardiac function remains normal. Generally, the prognosis is good.

5. Cause unknown

Idiopathic atrial fibrillation in healthy people often has no basis for organic heart disease.

When you have atrial fibrillation, you can use the following app to monitor your heart rate, record it, and give it to the doctor for reference.

A free check atrial fibrillation app—”AFibCheck”：AFibCheck on the App Store(apple.com).

Currently, the most well-known heart rate monitoring products on the market are still smart bracelets/watches. So, what is the principle of smart bracelet/watch heart rate monitoring？

Currently, there are three principles for heart rate monitoring:

1. Photoelectric transmission monitor method

In principle, the sensor that contacts the bracelet with the skin emits a beam of light hitting the skin to measure the reflected/transmitted light. “Because blood has an absorption effect on light at a specific wavelength, each time the heart pumps blood, that wavelength is greatly absorbed, which can determine the heartbeat.”. This method consumes a lot of power and is also subject to ambient light interference.

2. ECG signal monitor method

The sensor of the bracelet can measure the electrical signal of myocardial contraction to determine the user’s heart rate, and the principle is similar to that of an electrocardiogram. In each cardiac cycle, the atria and ventricles of the human heart are successively excited, accompanied by the continuous operation of countless myocardial cells, which can cause potential changes. By detecting periodic changes in electrocardiogram, the heart rate can be detected. Due to the complexity of the circuit, the large footprint of the PCB, and the susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, it is difficult to use this method for bracelets.

3. Electric pulse monitor method

“Because every heartbeat causes vibrations in the body, high-precision sensors can capture this vibration, and then signal processing can be performed to obtain a heartbeat.”.

Electric pulse measurement uses dry electrode technology to obtain human ECG data, and obtains heart rate through peak detection. The principle is similar to ECG. Before the mechanical contraction of the heart, an electrical excitation is generated, which can be transmitted to the body surface through human tissue. The electrical pulse monitor method measures the heart rate by monitoring this electrical excitation. Generally, products such as intelligent seat cushions or massagers will adopt this method.

The accuracy of data depends on sensors and algorithms.

Due to unprofessional monitoring equipment, bracelets/watches cannot directly monitor pulse conditions, and external environment interference is too large, which requires algorithms to eliminate interference items. At the same time, the sensor should also be accurate and sensitive, capable of receiving photoelectric signals without dead corners, thereby ensuring the accuracy of data.

For heart rate monitoring, Plus1Health has advanced algorithms, accurate and highly sensitive sensors that can provide heart rate detection module solutions.

In winter, the season of high incidence of colds. “If a cold causes fever or rapid breathing, it can cause a compensatory acceleration of the heart rate, which is a relatively common clinical situation.”. A cold can cause tachycardia, and it is also necessary to be alert to the possibility of viral myocarditis. If myocardial cells are infected with a virus and cause inflammatory reactions, various types of arrhythmia can occur, such as sinus tachycardia, atrial tachycardia, and even ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, it is best to improve electrocardiogram examination and even 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram monitoring for the presence of malignant cardiac arrhythmias and to rule out the possibility of viral myocarditis in the event of a rapid heartbeat due to a cold.

Plus1Health has a ECG patch that can perform 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring and provide ECG report analysis.

Here, there are also two free heart rate monitor apps that can be temporarily used to monitor:

“Heart Rate Record – Plus1Health” on the App Store (apple. com)

“AFibCheck – Atrial Fibrillation Screening” on the App Store (apple. com)

After catching a cold, what should I pay attention to in my diet？

1.Drinking chicken soup can inhibit inflammation of the throat and respiratory tract, and is extremely effective in eliminating symptoms such as stuffiness, runny nose, cough, and sore throat caused by colds. Because chicken contains a variety of amino acids necessary for the human body and is rich in nutrients, it can significantly enhance the body’s resistance to cold viruses. Chicken also contains a special chemical substance that can enhance the blood circulation in the throat and secretion of nasal fluid, which has a good effect on protecting respiratory tract patency, clearing respiratory tract viruses, and accelerating the recovery of colds.

2. Eat more radishes: The radish element in radishes has a unique role in preventing and treating colds. The specific method is to chop up the sweet, crispy and juicy radish, press out half a cup of juice, mash the ginger, extract a small amount of ginger juice, add it to the radish juice, then add white sugar or honey, mix well, and then pour it into boiling water to drink as a beverage. Taking it three times a day for two days can clear heat, detoxify, dispel cold, and prevent colds.

3. Sugar ginger tea mixed drink: Due to the fact that colds are often caused by exogenous wind and cold, there are often symptoms such as headache, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore joints, and even fear of cold and fever. Suitable amounts of brown sugar, ginger, and black tea can be used to boil and drink in soup 1-2 times a day. This not only warms up and removes cold, but also has a good function of preventing and treating colds.

4. Eat Less Salt: Eating less sodium containing salt can increase the content of lysozyme in saliva, protect mucosal epithelial cells in the mouth and throat, and allow them to secrete more immunoglobulin A and interferon to combat cold viruses. Therefore, controlling salt consumption within 5 grams per day is very beneficial for preventing and treating colds.

5.Eat more seasonings: Ginger and dried chili peppers can help the body expel cold viruses, relieve cough, and dissipate phlegm. Garlic can also enhance the body’s immune function. Adding more seasoning when cooking dishes can make a cold recover early.

Myocarditis refers to localized or diffuse acute or chronic inflammatory lesions of the myocardium, which can be caused by infection (such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi) or non infectious factors (such as autoimmune diseases). It can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood, causing the heart to beat quickly or irregularly, leading to arrhythmia.

Myocarditis can launch “undifferentiated attacks” on people of all ages and sexes, but young adults aged 20 to 40 are more likely to be recruited than elderly people and children.

Clinically, myocarditis is mostly caused by viral infection, and the common cold can also be induced.

Clinical manifestations of myocarditis:

Symptoms: Severe fatigue, chest tightness, dizziness, and dyspnea that cannot be explained by other reasons occur within a few days or 1 to 3 weeks after the onset of precursor symptoms of viral infection (such as fever, fatigue, muscle soreness, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and cough). High vigilance should be exercised against myocarditis.

About 90% of patients with myocarditis have difficulty breathing as their most prominent clinical manifestation, while the other 10% seek medical attention after syncope or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

It is important to note that the increase in heart rate at rest is inconsistent with body temperature, which is one of the important clues for the diagnosis of myocarditis, usually>100 beats/min, sometimes up to 160 beats/min. (Generally speaking, for every 1 ℃ increase in body temperature, the heart rate increases by about 10 beats/min).

ECG: The most common electrocardiogram manifestation is sinus tachycardia. Ventricular premature beats and various types of conduction block can also be seen. In severe cases, electrocardiogram manifestations such as ventricular fibrillation and ventricular flutter can occur.

3. Laboratory indicators: often accompanied by elevated myocardial injury indicators such as troponin and myocardial enzymes. Some patients may have elevated serological indicators of viral infection, such as antigen and antibody.

Free heart rate monitor app:

“Heart Rate Record – Plus1Health” on the App Store (apple. com)

“AFibCheck – Atrial Fibrillation Screening” on the App Store (apple. com)

Timely seek medical attention in the following cases:

1. High fever (body temperature ≥ 39 ℃);

2. Abnormal increase or decrease in blood pressure: Patients with severe myocarditis have severe cardiac insufficiency and systemic toxic reactions that cause abnormal vascular activity, leading to hypotension, and in severe cases, blood pressure cannot be measured;

3. Shortness of breath (frequency often>30 times/min) or respiratory depression (frequency<10 times/min in severe cases);

4. Decrease in blood oxygen saturation:<90%, even down to 40%~50%;

5. There may be tachycardia (often>120 beats/min) or bradycardia (can be<50 beats/min).

Avoid strenuous exercise within 3-6 months after discharge, and follow up and monitor electrocardiogram, echocardiography, dynamic electrocardiogram, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to measure the recovery of cardiac function and inflammation, guide medication for heart failure, and evaluate the prognosis.

Plus1Health has an ECG recorder that can perform 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring and provide ECG report analysis.

The main manifestation of abnormal ECG is that it presents waveforms or rhythms that are different from normal conditions, and these abnormalities may prompt doctors about the patient’s heart health issues. The following are some typical ECG abnormalities：

Atrial fibrillation: When atrial fibrillation occurs, ECG images typically display fast, irregular, without significant P-waves and multiple small oscillations of QRS waves.

Ventricular fibrillation: On ECG, ventricular fibrillation typically manifests as oscillations between high frequencies (>300 beats/minute) and irregular intervals, without significant QRS waves.

Left deviation of the electrocardiogram axis: When some tissues in the human body are damaged, resulting in a large number of muscle fiber deaths and other problems, it can cause lateral disorders. ECG can detect this impact and display it as a decrease in R to S values in SR mode and tilt to the left.

ST-T changes: ST-T changes can indicate the presence of coronary artery disease or other vascular diseases in patients. In such cases, phenomena such as ST segment elevation or depression and T-wave inversion can be observed in ECG.

The above are some common ECG abnormalities, but the specific manifestations may vary depending on individual circumstances. If you have any heart health issues, please consult a professional doctor.

Plus1Health has an ECG recorder that can perform 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring and provide ECG report analysis.

Here is a free APP – “AFibCheck“, which can be downloaded and used after searching in the mobile app store. It is simple and convenient to operate.

Here is how to use a Holter monitor, which is a type of portable electrocardiogram (ECG) device used for heart monitoring:

1. Clean the skin where you will attach the electrodes with alcohol wipes and allow it to dry.

2. Attach the electrodes to your chest in the designated locations as directed by your healthcare provider.

3. Connect the wires from the electrodes to the Holter monitor device.

4. Turn on the Holter monitor and ensure that it is functioning properly.

5. Wear the device for 24-48 hours while performing your normal daily activities, except for showering or bathing.

6. Keep a diary of any symptoms you experience during this time, such as palpitations or dizziness.

7. Return the Holter monitor to your healthcare provider at the end of your monitoring period.

It’s important to follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider when using a Holter monitor or any other type of heart monitoring device.