Abstract |
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality globally, and early detection through electrocardiograms (ECG) is crucial for effective treatment. ECGs measure the heart's electrical impulses, enabling detection of various cardiac irregularities. In recent years, there has been a push to develop low-cost, IoT-based portable ECG monitoring systems to make healthcare more accessible. However, existing solutions are often constrained by limited Bluetooth connectivity (under 100 meters) or rely on expensive processors like Raspberry Pi, which restricts use in low-resource settings. This research proposes a novel IoT-based ECG monitoring system designed to be both affordable and efficient, overcoming these limitations with a minimal hardware setup. The system utilizes the ESP8266 module as a cost-effective microcontroller, enabling real-time ECG data transmission over the internet and allowing healthcare professionals to monitor patients remotely without range restrictions. At a cost of only ∃16, this system reduces expenses by 88.49% compared to similar existing models, offering a practical, scalable solution for telemedicine. The system architecture includes an ECG detecting node, IoT cloud platform, and a user-friendly interface, with the AD8232 sensor gathering ECG data processed by the ESP8266 and transmitted to a secure cloud platform(Ubidots). Authorized healthcare providers can access this data, with alerts for any detected irregularities, supporting timely intervention. The system's performance has been validated on multiple patients, achieving a 92% accuracy that aligns well with clinical ECG standards. This low-cost and precise IoT-based ECG monitoring technology signifies a significant progression in telemedicine, facilitating efficient remote monitoring and broadening access to vital healthcare services. |