Wearable device monitors for signs of heart failure in real time

Developed by researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science in collaboration with FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the technology, the technology is based on sensors embedded in a lightweight belt worn around the waist to monitor thoracic impedance, electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate and detection of motion activity.

Thoracic impedance is a critical bio-signal to monitor heart failure progression, and ECG is a vital bio-signal to diagnose and predict cardiovascular diseases. ECG measures electrical signals through the heart using a Holter monitor, which is not suitable for point-of-care use.

For the study, published in Scientific Reports, researchers tested the wearable device in different conditions including sitting, standing, lying down and walking. For each condition, results were obtained for each of the sensors sequentially. The physiological parameters selected are significant in determining heart failure symptoms. 

Findings showed that all of sensors kept track of the changes for all the different conditions. The position sensor correctly highlighted the change in position in different conditions and could be used to identify different states of the wearer of the device. In addition, the heart rate sensor continually kept track of the heart rate. Importantly, the device correctly highlighted minute changes in thoracic impedance.