Amsterdam UMC’s Heart Centre has launched HartWacht (HeartGuard), an app designed to remotely monitor blood pressure and arrhythmias in patients. The app HartWacht pairs with a compact measurement device, enabling patients to manage their conditions from home, offering a blend of convenience and efficiency.
The Tech Behind
The measuring pads seen on the featured image above are likely to employ a combination of ECG (electrocardiogram) and optical sensing for PPG (photoplethysmogram).
ECG-based devices detect the electrical activity of the heart. Patients and doctors often use them to monitor heart rhythm and detect arrhythmias. They typically require electrodes placed on the skin to measure the electrical signals produced by the heart’s activity. PPG-based devices, on the other hand, use a light-based technology to detect blood volume changes in the microvascular bed of tissue. A light source (usually a LED) illuminates the skin, and a sensor measures the amount of light to be either absorbed or reflected by the blood.
Blood Pressure App Successfully Tested
This innovative tool, developed in partnership with the Cardiology Centres Netherlands (CCN), aims to improve patient care by reducing the necessity for physical cardiologist visits.
The app has already shown its value, with over 3,000 patients benefiting from its capabilities. It has notably decreased ambulance calls, demonstrating the effectiveness of remote patient monitoring. The ability to swiftly respond to patient data ensures timely and precise care, highlighting the app’s potential to revolutionize patient management.
Dr. Michiel Winter, a cardiologist at Amsterdam UMC and the project leader, has lauded HartWacht as a beneficial solution for both patients and healthcare providers:
“Since we started the e-health program, we have seen a decrease in the number of ambulance-calls for these patients. And because we can see what is going on with the patient from a distance, we can immediately reassure and advise or intervene where necessary”.
The app’s success stems from its ability to filter out non-critical health measurements. The app allows cardiologists to focus on patients needing immediate attention. Hence, the app not only enhances healthcare delivery efficiency. It also provides reassurance to patients with chronic heart conditions.
Therefore the HartWacht proves especially useful for individuals with high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias. By minimizing hospital visits, the app significantly eases the burden on both patients and healthcare systems. Amsterdam UMC is the first academic hospital in Europe to implement this program. It facilitates remote ECGs, marking a notable advancement in telemedicine.
Other clinical platforms to monitor blood pressure remotely
- ClinicianConnect®. Part of a comprehensive remote patient monitoring solution that includes various Bluetooth-enabled devices for monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure. It’s designed for clinicians to monitor patient biometrics in real-time and intervene as necessary.
- ConnectedBP. A program aimed at assisting patients with tracking, analyzing, and sharing blood pressure measurements. It integrates with mobile applications and smart devices.
- BPCorrect. A complete remote monitoring platform that works with any home blood pressure monitor. It provides step-by-step instructions for accurate blood pressure measurement and allows data sharing with doctors. It’s designed by physicians and supports team-based care and revenue cycle management.
