Transferring images via the wireless messaging network using camera phones shortens the time required to diagnose acute coronary syndrome

Abstract

Background: Clear images can be sent via e-mail using camera phones. We examined whether camera phones are useful to transmit electrocardiogram (ECG) images. Methods and Results: ECG images were taken of 20 patients suspected to have acute coronary syndrome. Ten images were sent to a cardiologist by fax. The other 10 images were transmitted using a camera phone. The total time elapsed between image transmission to diagnosis by cardiologists was shorter in the camera phone group than in the fax group. Conclusions: ECG image transmission by camera phone can be efficiently used in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome.