University study for design of device/product to early identify and track heart problems...Need your help from experiences!

Hello all,

I am a University student in the UK currently looking into heart problems and in particular Arrhythmias and Atrial Fibrillation as well as other heart problems.

I have been conducting a research report and I have identified that the longer these problems occur the worse they become and lead to other problems and in some cases even stroke.

I also understand that some symptoms can be quite scary or terrifying and that accessibility to the right diagnostics can sometimes be difficult due to limited resources which is true here in the UK. I have spoke to medical professionals about my idea and I have received good support and guidance. However, I am now working on the usability of the product and therefore would like to hear about your experiences to benefit more people like you and the ageing (aging) population.

I am looking to identify heart problems at an earlier stage and monitor the heart more regularly to identify when symptoms occur.
I am currently looking at a device that can be worn to record activity of the heart and especially during times that you have identified that may be ‘symptoms’. The device possibly could be self assessed using a computer and a program to help identify if there are any problems, but also to keep track of the recorded ‘evidence’ before needing to see the doctor.

I would like to know what kind of symptoms you had first and in general about your whole experiences and features you think I would need to include maximising the efficiency of the product/device. I am open to any suggestions as I am at early design stage keeping all options open.

I understand that there are devices like the event monitor and the Holter monitor but I am looking at developing a device that is easily accessible through mainstream stores or chemists such as Boots/Lloyds pharmacy for example. So if a problem has been identified there is clear evidence you can take to your doctor which could significantly speed up diagnostic time as well as give you piece of mind if there is no problems.

I look forward to hearing you responses and suggestions!

Many Thanks

[Jerry_NJ]

Sounds like you are on a good idea.  As you noted, there are devices available, and I have myself used a long term monitor that I wore 24/7 (for a couple of weeks)..taking off only to take a bath.  It had a wireless interface to automatically, or on demand by the user, to report events to the monitor center.  Anything that would be more compact and make use of even more modern technology for detection and storage would be an improvement over what I had...and this was less than 1 year ago, so I'm not referring to ancient history/technology.

As for symptoms, the current sequence seems to be to first go to a doctor to discuss troubling symptoms (although sometimes these first interactions take place in an emergency room environment).. then one moves on to a monitor if needed to refine the symptom details.  

Maybe this seed will bear more fruit (posts),  good luck and ideas as you go forward.