Monitor sends heart patients’ health data to doctors in real time

One way health professionals can keep track of their patients when they aren’t able to be in attendance is telepresence robots, such as the ones developed by InTouch Health. An alternative, however, is mobile monitoring. Created by Preventice, BodyGuardian RMS is a smartphone-based system that continuously tracks the health of those with heart conditions and sends the data straight to doctors. While the platform has been in development for the past few years, Preventice recently gained FDA approval to offer the remote health monitor as a solution for those with non-lethal cardiac arrhythmias. The RMS consists of three parts: firstly a small sensor that can be easily attached to the chest of patients and worn under clothes. This device sends information about the user’s heartbeat, respiration and activity levels to either the patient’s smartphone or one given to them by their doctor. The data is then sent to health professionals who can analyze their patients in real time. If the patient feels discomfort, they can push a button on the sensor to immediately contact their doctor. One of the benefits of this system is that doctors don’t have to keep patients in hospital in order to monitor their vitals, and yet can still provide round-the-clock care.