Sistema portátil para monitoramento contínuo da atividade elétrica cardíaca

Abstract

In the cardiac activity, electrical signals that propagate through the corporal structures can be caught on the skin surface. The record of these signals is the electrocardiogram (ECG). Arrhythmia and ventricular bradycardia, among several other cardiac pathologies, that can be detected by the ECG analysis. In many cases, it is necessary to have an extensive record of the signals (e.g. 24 hours) in everyday situations of the patient. Thus, the Holter appeared. This is a portable device for monitoring prolonged patient‟s cardiac electrical activity and in their everyday situations. The electrical signals are captured using electrodes normally positioned at patient's chest and connected to the device. The amount of data acquired by the Holter is fairly high, then it becomes difficult to select regions of medical interest for examination and analysis. Thus, it is requested to the patient to note the performed activities during the examination (e.g. racing, feeding, stress, sleep, etc.), as well as the symptoms and discomforts perceived. In this manner, it is possible to verify the probable cause of the anomalies recorded, and provide periods of time in the ECG signal in which the doctor can pay more attention for analysis. However, to note these activities is a lengthy process to the patient and the data from this form are not integrated with the exam generated file. In this context, this project proposes the development of a Holter monitor that communicates with a mobile device (SmartPhone). The communication between these devices is over the Bluetooth technology. The SmartPhone runs an application that allows the patient to observe the ECG in real time and make notes on a digital version of the classic activities form. Moreover, a developed computer program allows the doctor to view the exam report. This program will be also able to relate, in a simplified way, the cardiac electrical signal with activities reported by the patient.