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New PDA Listens To Your Heartbeat

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the phoning-home-when-trouble-strikes dept.

Roland Piquepaille writes "CardioNet Inc., a company based in San Diego, has developed a wireless technology to monitor heart patients. According to this Computerworld article, the technology was 'originally developed by Qualcomm Inc. to track and send messages to large truck fleets.' CardioNet's service is initially focused on the 2 million U.S. people suffering from arrhythmia. Each patient is equipped with a PDA-type electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring device connected by a short-range wireless system to electrodes on his chest. Data is sent to his doctor via a built-in cell phone chip. More details, including a diagram and pictures showing how the system works are also available."

8 of 57 comments (clear)

  1. well by Tirel · · Score: 4, Funny

    I don't see a point unless this includes a tracking device.. I mean, what good is it if my doctor knows I'm dying, but doesn't know where I am??

  2. I want one by Exiler · · Score: 4, Funny

    If I had one of these babies I could have it log onto IRC and AIM and inform my friends via e-mail of my death =D

    --
    Banaaaana!
  3. Only one problem... by dnaboy · · Score: 4, Funny

    A lot of hospitals still require people to turn off cell phones, as they allegedly might have an effect on other equipment. Talk about valuing your own life over others...

  4. Don't use any Microsoft programs... by JamesP · · Score: 4, Funny


    Clippy: It seems you're having a heart attack... Do you want me to call for help?

    --
    how long until /. fixes commenting on Chrome?
  5. Bluetooth by vevva · · Score: 5, Funny

    Bluetooth has discovered a new device "Human Heart" - Autoconfigure (Yes/No)?

  6. This is a great idea for parents. by AntiOrganic · · Score: 4, Funny

    Just hook it up to your kid's heart, and you'll know by his increased heartrate when he's downloading porn on the thing and fapping away.

  7. Similar story.. by Flabby+Boohoo · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Friend of mine has developed software that monitor's the heartbeats of infants when they come out of delivery. This software runs on an iPaq (standard, off the shelf variety). Similar features as described in the article.

    Amazing the amount of work required to get that accepted by the medical establishment.

    I would imagine his solution, because it does not require special hardware (for the PDA) would be more affordable.

  8. Can you hear me now by GillBates0 · · Score: 4, Funny
    Each patient is equipped with a PDA-type electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring device connected by a short-range wireless system to electrodes on his chest. Data is sent to his doctor via a built-in cell phone/ chip.

    Can you hear my heart beat now *dub* *dub*
    Can you hear it now. *dub* *dub*
    Can you hear it now. *silence*... OH MY GOD THEY KILLED KENNY
    YOU BAS...Naah, just lost the signal there for a while.

    --
    An Indian-American Hindu committed to non-violent thought/speech/action alarmed by the global explosion of radical Islam