FAQ's: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the heart monitor be portable?
A: Yes, we are taking wearability and portability into account in our design. We're designing the device to be as small as possible while still being functional. We are currently using sensors that are worn as wrist and ankle bands. The sensors are the currently biggest limitation to the portability of the device. We are currently looking into using a smaller sensor that can be clipped onto the user's ear or finger. The rest of the device will be held in a wearable pouch (probably a fanny pack).

Q: Is the monitor able to be worn during activities requiring lots of movement?
A: No. Our prototype device does not utilize a medical-grade ECG monitor. It is therefore unable to function properly when the user is moving.We are looking into better sensors to improve the device's ability to function when the wearer is moving.

Q: How is the device powered and how can I recharge it?
A: The device is powered by a rechargeable battery pack which plugs directly into the Arduino board. To charge the device, you can plug a mini-USB cable into the battery and connect it to any USB power source (like a wall charger or computer).

Q: How does the device know when there is an irregularity in a user's heart rate?
A: The device will initially need to be calibrated for the user by a medical professional. This process involves measuring and identifying the patient's "normal" heart rate (i.e. the average time between peaks in their ECG readings, as well as the standard deviation of this data). These values will then be stored on the device as "normal" values for the user's heart rate. Should any future heart rate readings deviate too far from these "normal" values, the monitor will interpret it as an irregularity.

Q: What is an ECG/EKG?
A: An ECG (or EKG) is an electrocardiograph. It measures the electrical activity of the heart over time, and is used regularly by doctors and medical professionals around the world.