People with heart problems can now have instant access to a cardiogram reading and expert opinions through a portable remote heart monitor.

The monitor, developed by the Jiao Tong University's School of Medicine, is the size of a cell phone and comes with leads that can be attached to the heart area.

If patients feel unwell, they simply plug in the monitor which then sends a signal to a processing center which downloads the information for the experts there.

"Delayed diagnosis and treatment are key factors in deaths from heart disease. To treat someone effectively with a miocardial infarction you have to see them within six hours. For ventricular fibrillation, or irregular heart beat, the crucial time for emergency treatment is only four minutes," said Dr Gu Jukang, director of Chinese Remote Medical Cardiology Monitoring Group.

"Most heart diseases give signals in a cardiogram one or two weeks before an attack. The key is to identify the signals as early as possible and treat the patient in time."

As well as giving patients guidance and suggestion, the center has also set up a series of emergency networks with hospitals under Jiao Tong University's School of Medicine which will provide emergency treatment if a serious heart problem is detected.

The cost of the monitor is 16,100 yuan (US$2,164) and doctors charge 20 yuan for reading each cardiogram.

In China 40 million people suffer cardiovascular disease and 1.1 million die from heart disease every year. About two-thirds of the deaths occur with unexpected heart attacks.

The monitors are not just intended for the sick.

"Athletes and those exercising can use the monitors to test whether the level of exercise they are taking is appropriate," Dr Gu said.

Some 100 rural clinics in Zhejiang Province have started to use the monitors which allow people in country areas to have cardiograms. Until now cardiograms were not available in the clinics as the medical staff could not conduct cardiogram examinations.

Monitors that can check diabetics' blood sugar levels and fetal heartbeats may be ready soon, Dr Gu said.

(Shanghai Daily November 15, 2007)