It’s Aliiiiiive!

It is no surprise that technology is an enormous part of our lives – it just is.  The format of this very class attests to that. I am fascinated by what is out there these days technologically.  As I mentioned in a previous blog, I have been able to experience what life was like before all the gizmos and gadgets.  Years ago, I used to attend one of the biggest computer/technology conventions that was held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada. The best of the best were showcasing their latest products and the newcomers even had a platform to introduce their new piece of the technology pie.  It is nothing short of amazing of how far advances in technology since then have been made.

One of the most amazing technologies, hands down, is our cellphones. But, who calls them cellphones anymore? They are “Smartphones”, right? And, smart they are…well actually it is the developers behind the iPhones and Smartphones who are smart. We have all seen, and probably would not want to live without, many of the “apps” that make our lives more organized, keep us in touch with family and friends, keep us abreast of what is happening in the world via social media, and the list goes on. We could all probably agree that we look on our phone to “see if there is an app for that”.  I’ve seen my share of really spiffy apps that have made a positive difference in my life. Could I do without it? Probably, but it sure is nice to have it.  Now that I am a soon to be nurse, I am more than ever interested in what is available on our smartphones for medical purposes.  I found something interesting.

A company by the name of AliveCor has turned our smartphones into a medical device.  According to Haw (2014) “Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and, if left untreated, is a significant risk factor for stroke and heart failure.” Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  granted AliveCor clearance for its algorithm to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib). AliveCor has an automated process (algorithm) that analyses and instantly detects if a patient is experiencing atrial fibrillation via real-tiime electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings.  And, so you say? Well, a patient does not go to the doctor’s office or hospital for this ECG. The ECG is taken on a mobile phone based with AliveCor’s Heart Monitor.  The AliveCor Heart Monitor records, stores and transfers ECG rhythms.This real-time ECG is seen by the patient’s doctor who can immediately intervene before a life-threatening event, such as a stroke, occurs.  Patients can use AliveCor’s ECG analysis service to confirm their ECG results with a U.S. board-certified cardiologist or a personal physician.

Healthcare professionals, patients with known or suspected cardiac conditions and health conscious individuals are the target consumers for the AliveCor Heart Monitor.  AliveCor says, “The monitor is compatible with all iPhone models and most Android mobile devices. This monitor is the perfect example of some of the amazing technology that is out there for cardiac conditions. Users will continue to have the ability to access their data confidentially anytime, anywhere.”

http://www.alivecor.com