Researchers at the National Research Lobachevsky University of Nizhny Novgorod (UNN) have developed a software and hardware system that will help to remotely assess any deviations in the heart condition and identify cardiovascular diseases at an early stage. The "CyberHeart" intelligent supercomputer technology is designed to serve both patients and cardiologists.

The software and hardware system "CyberHeart" is intended for creating an automated telemedicine network. The scientists' task is to create a system for remote cardiac monitoring, a round-the-clock service that could assess the state of the cardiovascular system of the Nizhny Novgorod region's residents. The plans are to develop a line of home appliances for taking cardiograms, automatically transmitting them to any distance via mobile communication networks and receiving a medical conclusion. To handle such devices, no special medical skills will be required.

The system consists of several sets of equipment and devices: for medical institutions, for call centers that receive signals, and for ordinary people. The devices for ordinary persons can be included in the family medicine chest just like a blood pressure monitor. With the help of such devices, one can check the heart condition and transmit the cardiogram data to the hospital. The device is quite small and fits into the palm of an adult person. To take the readings, it is attached to the person's chest.
Miniature mobile cardiographs exist in different configurations: for medical institutions and for private use. They can diagnose heart rhythm disturbances and provide feedback from the doctor. The device can be equipped with a display for providing the user with an instant diagnosis.

"We take an electrocardiogram, automatically decode it and transmit the data to a smartphone. It allows you to identify some emergency states of the cardiovascular system. For example, in case something is suddenly wrong with the heart, a red light signals the trouble," explains Dr. Grigory Osipov, Head of Department of Control Theory and System Dynamics at the UNN Institute of Information Technology, Mathematics and Mechanics, who is heading the project.

The device has three indicators: green, yellow and red. Accordingly, the green one means there is no reason to worry, the yellow indicates suspected disorders and recommends to visit the doctor, while the red one signals that urgent medical aid is required.

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