High-tech gadget turns your smart phone into a hospital-grade heart monitor

High-tech gadget turns your smart phone into a hospital-grade heart monitor
Smartheart connects to an iPhone, BlackBerry, or Android device via Bluetooth, allowing the user to view an ECG in detail, and email it to their doctor.

Instead of a traditional ECG, which uses several monitors stuck to the body, Smartheart has just one and the scan is completed in 30 seconds.

You can then view the ECG in detail and email it to your doctor. If it identifies an irregular or abnormal heart condition it will send you an alert.

The gadget has been welcomed by heart experts.
Device: The Smartheart monitor which attaches to a mobile phone

Device: The Smartheart monitor which attaches to a mobile phone

Consultant congenital cardiologist at Southampton Hospital Dr Joseph Vettukattil said: 'This device is a major breakthrough and could save lives.

'One of the biggest problems with detecting heart conditions is that their symptoms happen when the sufferer is at home.

'By the time they get to the doctor they have stopped. With this device however it will be easy to take a recording which can then be analysed by a doctor.

'It could be especially helpful with diagnosing children. Younger ones experience a higher rate of palpitations and as nearly all children have a mobile it will be easy for them to record.

'This has the potential to be very exciting for detecting and treating heart problems.'

A spokesman for Telemedicine, which makes the device, said: 'This will transform phones into a fully functioning hospital-grade heart monitor.

'Smartheart addresses the most crucial factor related to heart attacks - time. Within 30 seconds, anyone can record a scan and have it transmitted to their doctor.

'It can be used anywhere, by anyone, and is a real breakthrough in technology.'

Smartheart can be purchased for £300 online and the app can be downloaded for free.