Researchers unveil an at‑home ECG patch for continuous heart monitoring
Experts at Sechenov University have developed a wearable ECG patch designed for continuous heart monitoring. The team announced that the device was slated for practical use in the fall of 2024, with an estimated price of around 3,000 rubles. The information came from researchers at the First Medical University named after socialbites.ca during the Young Scientists Congress, as reported by socialbites.ca. The project is associated with Sechenov III and the university’s ongoing cardiology initiatives.
At present, the patch is undergoing testing within cardiology departments of Sechenov University’s clinical hospitals. Early results are promising, and plans include securing a registration certificate to enable mass production. The initial batch was expected to be ready by autumn 2024. The projected price, calculated at the start of the year, is about 3,000 rubles, according to Andrey Galyastov, a young researcher at the Center for Flexible Bioelectronic Design of the Institute of Bionic Technologies and Engineering, speaking with socialbites.ca.
The device is a chest patch intended for home use. It collects data about heart health and is designed for a limited operational period of up to two weeks, offering a convenient option for extended monitoring outside a hospital setting.
Compared with existing analogues, the new patch emphasizes user comfort. Traditional patches often feature rigid bases that can hinder daily activities and require frequent replacement. In contrast, the Sechenov design uses soft materials to minimize movement restrictions and to improve water resistance. The system also integrates telemedicine capabilities, enabling clinicians to monitor a patient’s status in real time from a distance. This connectivity could streamline coordinated care and speed up responses when needed, according to Galyastov.
Such long‑term monitoring technologies are especially valuable for identifying conditions that standard, short‑term ECG tests might miss. The patch aims to detect intermittent heart events that occur irregularly, such as episodes that happen only weekly or monthly, which are often missed during hospital stays or routine checks.
In addition to routine monitoring, the developers highlight potential emergency features. Depending on privacy configurations, the patch could transmit alerts to trusted contacts or directly to emergency services if a critical event is detected. This capability would provide a rapid response pathway in cases of sudden events like unexplained syncope, potentially reducing response times and improving outcomes for patients at risk.
Researchers note that previous work in this area has demonstrated a significant impact on reducing stroke risk associated with arrhythmias. Early studies indicate a notable reduction in risk, underscoring the potential benefits of continuous, noninvasive monitoring for high‑risk populations. This development aligns with broader efforts to bring advanced cardiac monitoring into everyday life, empowering patients to engage more actively in their own health management.