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Turning smartphones into portable heart monitors

21 April 2017

An innovative screening project developed at the West Middlesex has improved the detection of abnormal heartbeats by turning smartphones into heart monitors via a secure app.

An innovative screening project developed at the West Middlesex has improved the detection of abnormal heartbeats by turning smartphones into heart monitors via a secure app. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.

GP practices throughout Hounslow can now perform instant ECG tests on the spot. Over the last six months 3,000 people in Hounslow have received ECG screening for AF.

If a second opinion of an ECG is required, a digital file of the ECG can be sent through the app to West Middlesex cardiologists for review. An response is generated by the cardiologist usually within minutes.

Consultant Cardiologist Sadia Khan said: “Nearly 200 patients have been diagnosed with AF which more than likely would have gone undetected before. Should action be required, we can now quickly and efficiently put care plans in place.”

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