idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft

Nachrichten, Termine, Experten

Grafik: idw-Logo
Grafik: idw-Logo

idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft

idw-Abo

idw-News App:

AppStore

Google Play Store



Instance:
Share on: 
11/26/2025 13:08

Always close to the heartbeat

Inka Burow Stabsstelle Kommunikation
Medizinische Hochschule Hannover

    Innovation in cardiology: Heart data is transferred to the electronic patient record in real time. The MHH implemented this technology for the first time worldwide.

    A patient suddenly experiences atrial fibrillation at home, and the doctor at the specialist clinic providing care can evaluate the recorded electrocardiogram (ECG) data almost simultaneously – this is possible at the Hannover Heart Rhythm Center (HHC) of the Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology at MHH. The HHC was the first in the world to implement this technical innovation. It is a major step forward in improving the treatment of people with cardiac arrhythmias.

    Atrial fibrillation is widespread

    Statistically, one in three people develop atrial fibrillation, usually in advanced age. The heart then beats too fast and irregularly. Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and can increase the risk of heart failure and stroke. However, diagnosis is not always easy. “The new technical solution makes it much easier to detect atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias,” explains Professor David Duncker. Here's how it works: The patient's ECG device is linked to their cell phone, which records the ECG data. Using a code, this data is then transferred from the cell phone to the HHC's ECG software and automatically entered into the electronic patient file. There is no need for manual data entry or faxing.

    Faster diagnoses

    The attending physician can access the ECGs in near real time, compare them with previous ones, and evaluate them. “Direct transmission allows us to make diagnoses faster and initiate the necessary therapy. It also facilitates follow-up care,” explains Professor Duncker. “With the new technology, we are bringing cardiac rhythm care closer to patients.” For patients, in turn, it is reassuring to know that their ECGs can be reviewed by a physician immediately and not only when they come to the clinic for their next check-up.

    Fewer hospital stays

    The innovation is based on a collaboration with medical technology companies GE HealthCare and AliveCor. It contributes to improving care for heart patients and reducing the number of repeat hospital stays. Every four weeks, other suitable patients are equipped with the device.

    SERVICE

    For further information, please contact Professor David Duncker, duncker.david@mh-hannover.de.


    Images

    Clinic Director Professor Dr. Johann Bauersachs (left) and Professor Dr. David Duncker demonstrate how simple it is: place your finger on the device and the ECG data is recorded.
    Clinic Director Professor Dr. Johann Bauersachs (left) and Professor Dr. David Duncker demonstrate h ...

    Copyright: Cardiology/MHH.


    Criteria of this press release:
    Journalists
    Medicine
    transregional, national
    Miscellaneous scientific news/publications
    English


     

    Help

    Search / advanced search of the idw archives
    Combination of search terms

    You can combine search terms with and, or and/or not, e.g. Philo not logy.

    Brackets

    You can use brackets to separate combinations from each other, e.g. (Philo not logy) or (Psycho and logy).

    Phrases

    Coherent groups of words will be located as complete phrases if you put them into quotation marks, e.g. “Federal Republic of Germany”.

    Selection criteria

    You can also use the advanced search without entering search terms. It will then follow the criteria you have selected (e.g. country or subject area).

    If you have not selected any criteria in a given category, the entire category will be searched (e.g. all subject areas or all countries).