Low-cost Approaches to Follow-up Cardiac Patients in Low-Income Countries Using Public Data Networks

Abstract

The main characteristics of three approaches to cardiac care using public data networks are presented. All efforts were addressed to get minimum-cost solutions for low-budget public health systems. The first solution was developed to follow-up arrhythmic patients between medical consultations, setting a more closed patient-physician relationship, and a daily recording of cardiac rhythm changes. It is based on a personal battery-powered device for one-channel ECG recording, minimizing electrode setting and operation complexity. An ECG recording taken daily allows a detailed analysis anytime without the patient’s traveling to a health institution. A second solution was aimed at monitoring high-risk cardiac patients. A 24-h portable device capable of monitoring heart rate and sudden falls, typically associated with cardiac syncope, was developed. When any cardiac event or fall is detected, an urgent message is sent to relatives and the medical emergency care system asking for help. The third system implemented is oriented to the study of different cardiac parameters in people who suffer from heart disease or in those who are prone to suffering from it. Twelve-lead ECG is recorded periodically by each patient and trend graphics reflect ECG parameters strongly associated with cardiac disturbances, such as sudden death and ischemia. This approach allows the detection of the first troubling electrocardiographic deviations, making possible early medical intervention.