Correspondence Address:
Dr. Balram Bhargava
Department of Cardiology, AIIMS, New Delhi
India

Full Text

In the innovation section, we review today a device called AliveCor. This monitors the heart rate and a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and transmits it to a device, either a phone or a watch [Figure 1].{Figure 1}

AliveCor is a novel technology that gives an instant single-lead ECG recording on the mobile phoneIt is probably not useful for the patients or population at large, but is a useful tool for health-care workers. Being a single lead, it cannot provide information on heart attacksFor health-care workers, it is useful for screening elderly patients for atrial fibrillation who are candidates for anticoagulation. Atrial fibrillation can also clinically be detected by examination of the pulse and auscultation. Even with the availability of this technology, the clinical examination should not be given up. Technology, innovation, research, and business interests put together are treasured assets if judiciously used.[1],[2],[3],[4]

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

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