On-line Computer Monitoring-immediate Interpretation of the Electrocardiogram

The purpose of this paper is to provide some insight into the continuous monitoring and computer analysis of medical signals, in particular the electrocardiogram which has been chosen as a model. The advantages of having continuous data analyzed by an accurate, objective system are elaborated. The great mass of data being collected has heretofore been stored and forgotten in many instances but with immediate computer analysis the interpretation of trends and rapid physiological changes are easily and rapidly manifested. In addition, statistical evaluation of the data through programming te techniques can lead to new diagnoses and treatments and allows the monitored data to be compared with “pre-obtained” data as well as other groups of people.