Continuous electrocardiogram monitoring method and system for cardiac patients

Method for providing cardiac information from a cardiac patient to a remote station comprising:

• recording the electrocardiogram signals produced by the patient in real time at a first predetermined rate;
• reproducing said recorded signals at a second predetermined rate, said second predetermined rate being greater than said first predetermined rate thereby compressing the time required to reproduce said signals as compared to the time to record said signals;
• automatically dialing a telephone to connect said reproduced signals to a station remote from said patient;
• transmitting said reproduced signals by said telephone to said station remote from said patient;
• analyzing said reproduced signals;
• and
• varying the periodicity of transmission of said reproduced signals responsive to said analysis.

System for providing cardiac information from a cardiac patient to a remote station comprising:

• means for recording electrocardiogram signals produced by the patient in real time at a first predetermined rate;
• means for reproducing said recorded signals at a second predetermined rate, said second predetermined rate being greater than said first predetermined rate thereby compressing the time required to reproduce said signals as compared to the time to record said signals;
• means for monitoring said reproduced signals;
• a communication interface which includes a telephone system having direct dialing capability coupling said reproducing means to said monitoring means;
• an automatic telephone dialing means coupled to said telephone system;
• and
• means manually operable by said patient for activating said telephone communication interface thereby to connect said signals to said monitoring means upon demand of said patient.