New system to help heart patients

Electrodes are attached to the patient's arms and chest

A new imaging system which advances the accurate diagnosis of coronary heart disease has been developed by Anglia Ruskin University researchers.

The system can detect ischemia, a decrease in blood supply to the heart, and heart attacks using real-time electrocardiogram (ECG) data.

It creates an image of the heart highlighting any areas with ischemia.

That allows doctors to make faster and more accurate diagnosis of critically ill patients.

The system is for use in coronary care units, intensive care units and accident and emergency departments.

Identifying early a decrease in the blood supply to the heart is vital in the prevention of a heart attack Dr Aimen Hassani

It has been developed by Professor Claudio Zizzo of the university's Faculty of Science and Technology and Dr Aimen Hassani, consultant anaesthetist at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

Dr Hassani said the new imaging system would make a real difference to the many patients whose condition was potentially life threatening.

"Identifying early a decrease in the blood supply to the heart is vital in the prevention of a heart attack," he said.

"In this new era of invasive cardiology, this device will offer clinicians a vital opportunity to start treatment early, prevent death or severe illness, and reduce the pressure on hospitals by reducing the length of patient stay and reducing the costs of treatment."

Clinical trials of the new medical imaging system are due to start in April at Broomfield Hospital.

In 2002, cardiovascular disease caused 39% of deaths in the UK, killing just under 238,000 people.