Scientists in the United States have successfully created a groundbreaking electronic stick-on patch that can monitor the heart and detect signs of illness before they become serious. This ultra-thin patch, which has been nicknamed an ‘e-tattoo’ due to its resemblance to a temporary tattoo sticker, contains two wired sensors that continuously measure two key functions of the heart. By carrying out an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity, as well as a seismocardiogram (SCG) to measure the vibrations produced by the heart valves during each beat, this patch offers a unique and comprehensive monitoring system. It is also the first mobile device capable of conducting both tests simultaneously, making it a potential game-changer in the early detection and treatment of heart disease, which is significantly easier to manage in its early stages. The University of Texas at Austin, where the patch was developed, believes it could prevent 80% of heart disease cases if adopted on a larger scale.
The benefits of this e-tattoo are particularly apparent in the case of atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder that often goes undetected, thereby increasing the risk of stroke. In the UK alone, it is estimated that there are over 300,000 individuals living with undiagnosed AF. The e-tattoo can also be offered to individuals experiencing symptoms of heart disease, such as nausea, heartburn, and sweating.
As for its usability, the e-tattoo offers a less intrusive and more comfortable alternative to traditional monitoring methods. Unlike smartwatches that can only conduct an ECG, the e-tattoo can also perform an SCG, which is typically done using a stethoscope. When combined, these two tests provide crucial information about the heart’s pumping efficiency. The patch collects data that is then transmitted via Bluetooth to an app accessible by the patient’s medical team.
In terms of application, the e-tattoo is attached to the chest like a medical dressing and powered by a small, easily replaceable battery lasting approximately 40 hours. Although it has only been tested on five healthy men in their 20s so far, the patch has proven to have a low error rate compared to other available monitoring options. Larger studies are currently being planned.
Experts in the field of cardiovascular medicine are praising this technological breakthrough, recognizing the potential of continuous mobile monitoring for diagnosing and treating arrhythmias, as well as providing reassurance to patients exhibiting symptoms yet have normal heart beats. The University of Sussex has even developed a formula for men reaching sexual climax based on data collected from the male arousal cycle in 10,000 individuals. This information emphasizes the significance of wearables like the e-tattoo, which allow the long-term monitoring of heartbeats, supporting the detection and diagnosis of various heart conditions.
Furthermore, a study presented at the European Congress on Obesity has proposed that measuring stress hormone levels in hair can predict an individual’s risk of developing heart disease. The research found that individuals with higher cortisol levels in their hair were twice as likely to experience a stroke or heart attack within seven years compared to those with lower levels. This correlation was particularly pronounced in individuals aged 57 years or younger.
There is also ongoing research in the UK investigating the connection between asthma symptoms and ‘non-exhaust’ air pollution caused by tire and brake pad wear particles. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London are studying 48 patients exposed to different environments (including areas with high levels of emissions from tire wear and brake pads) to determine the impact on their asthma symptoms. This study aims to explore the relationship between pollution and respiratory health.
In the realm of post-surgery recovery, scientists at the University of Michigan are testing caffeine as a potential solution to prevent post-operative delirium. Around 250 patients will be given either caffeine or a placebo through infusions after surgery to examine the rates of delirium in the following days. Delirium is becoming increasingly common among older adults following surgery, and symptoms include mood swings, agitation, hallucinations, slurred speech, and concentration difficulties. The cause of this condition is not yet fully understood, but it is believed that the high levels of inflammation resulting from surgery disrupt brain function. Caffeine, on the other hand, has the potential to improve brain processing ability by enhancing communication between brain cells.
In terms of personal health and fitness, Australian singer Kylie Minogue revealed her toned legs in a recent Instagram post. She reportedly maintains her shape through a combination of Pilates and treadmill training, emphasizing the importance of walking rather than running in her family. Fitness enthusiasts looking to target their leg muscles can try sit-to-stand exercises, which engage the legs and buttocks. Standing in front of a chair and slowly sitting down before pushing back up through the feet without using hands helps to activate these muscle groups. Additionally, taking short but brisk walks helps to elevate heart rate and improve cardiovascular health.
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