An Amrita research paper titled Real-Time Monitoring and Detection of Heart Attack using Wireless Sensor Networks was awarded the best paper at SENSORCOMM 2010, the 4th International Conference on Sensor Technologies and Applications.

Authored by Kala John K., third semester M. Tech. student of Amrita’s Wireless Networks and Applications program and Dr. Maneesha V. Ramesh, Head of the Department, the research paper will be included in IEEE Xplore.“Our paper describes the development of a wireless sensor network system that can continuously monitor and detect cardiovascular irregularities experienced by patients in remote areas,” explained Kala.

“A wearable wireless sensor system (WWSS) continuously captures and transmits ECG signals to the patient’s mobile phone or any other transmitting module.”

“In case of some irregularity, an alert can be issued to doctors, relatives and hospitals. In addition, data from several WWSSs can be transmitted to a central station, that can help a doctor remotely view her patient records and prescribe medicines accordingly.”

Recent years have seen an increase in the occurrence of heart attacks, especially in the elderly. The proposed system could be very beneficial in that the alert system could facilitate timely help, in case any irregularities are detected.

The paper also proposed a heterogeneous wireless network for the continuous transmission of data from WWSSs to a Central Data Center. A dynamic data collection algorithm could help process ECG signals at regular intervals, in accordance with the health risk perceived in each patient.

“The continuous monitoring provides effective and efficient health care services to patients at risk, even if the doctor, relatives are not nearby, and even during the non availability of the cellular network,” summed up Kala.

Dr. Maneesha traveled to Venice in Italy during July 18 – 25, 2010 to present the paper at the conference. The acceptance rate for papers in the conference was about 30%; best paper awards were given based on reviews of the original submission and the presentation during the conference.

“Let this be a motivation for others,” stated Dr. Maneesha. “We hope that Amrita students and faculty will bring home many more best paper awards in the coming years.”

August 20, 2010
Center for Wireless Networks and Applications, Amritapuri