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SINGAPORE: Over the years, the mobile phone has integrated many functions. Now it can contain one more feature that could help save your life.
The ePhone Life Mobile (EPI Life) acts as a personal electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor.
According to its developer, the device can monitor a wide range of heart conditions and can help reduce sudden deaths.
Dr Michael Lim, a cardiologist and developer of EPI Life, said: "The commonest cause of sudden death in those under 35 is actually due to an abnormal heart rhythm in patients with a condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which is the abnormal thickening of the heart. For those 35 years old and above, the commonest cause of sudden death is heart attack.
"In a heart attack, you die because either the heart gets damaged until you cannot pump, or because you have an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation."
Someone with symptoms of chest pains or palpitations can record his ECG instantly, by placing a finger on the screen of the mobile phone.
The ECG reading will be sent to a 24-hour centre via GPRS, where a team of 30 doctors and nurses can quickly determine if there is a life threatening problem within minutes. Mobile phone charges will apply.
Dr Lim added: "If it is a life threatening problem, if you are near a defibrillator - or what you call an AED device - you can use it to save the person.
"If you don't have it, then you can speak to the cardiologist, she can give you instructions on how to best save the person."
Doctors said this device allows users to have peace of mind, especially when they are on the road.
Dr Chong Yeh Woei, physician, Singapore Medical Specialists Centre said: "You are going out of Singapore to the surrounding regions - to China, to India, and other countries - and you want to connect to your doctors.
"You can take an ECG when you have some symptoms and you can transmit it to doctors, and you can have an instant feedback on what this ECG is all about."
The device is also available in the region, in countries like Malaysia.
- CNA/sc
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