# An Arduino based heartbeat detection device (ArdMob-ECG) for real-time ECG analysis

**Authors:** Tim Julian Möller, Martin Voss, Laura Kaltwasser  
**arXiv:** [2204.00513](https://arxiv.org/abs/2204.00513)  
**Date:** 2022-04-01  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2204.00513v1/

## Key points

- The technical paper provides a guide for building an Arduino-based heartbeat detection device called ArdMob-ECG
- The device integrates the AD8232 module for real-time ECG analysis
- ArdMob-ECG is low-cost, lightweight, and easy-to-assemble
- It can be used for scientific studies, modern therapies, and even video games
- Heart rate measured with an ECG is important for metacognition, empathy, and self-experience
- ArdMob-ECG is easy to use without clinical personnel and has simple instructions
- It is transportable and can be used at home during the Covid-19 pandemic without additional risk of physical presence from scientists
- It automatically stores data and has a built-in detection algorithm for heartbeats that gives comparable performance to professional clinical ECG machines
- Its software and hardware are open source and publicly available which allows individual alterations according to different research questions.
- The tutorial describes the characteristics of an electrocardiogram (ECG)
- QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization of the heart which lasts between 0.06–0.10 seconds; Q wave starts through depolarization of interventricular septum while R wave/peak reflects depolarization of myocardium in both chambers.
- Researchers can independently assemble the ArdMob-ECG device for their own scientific studies using publicly available code and circuit
- Open Science ultimately fosters innovation

## Summary

This technical paper provides a comprehensive guide for building an Arduino-based heartbeat detection device (ArdMob-ECG) that integrates the AD8232 module for real-time ECG analysis. The ArdMob-ECG is a low-cost, lightweight, and easy-to-assemble device that can be used for a variety of scientific studies, modern therapies, and even video games. Interoceptive signals such as heart rate measured with an ECG have been identified as important factors contributing to metacognition, empathy, and the experience of self. Utilizing an easy-to-use, inexpensive, lightweight, and reliable technical device for measuring heart rate and its components would advance progress in scientific research. Compared to clinical ECG machines that are usually heavy, expensive and require trained personnel to operate them, the ArdMob-ECG is easy to use without clinical personnel with simple instructions. In addition to its ease of use it is also transportable and can be used at home by participants during the global Covid-19 pandemic without any additional risk of physical presence from scientists. The advantage of this device is that it automatically stores data and has a built-in detection algorithm for heartbeats which gives comparable performance regarding sensitivity and specificity when compared to professional clinical ECG machines. Its software and hardware are open source and publicly available which allows individual alterations according to different research questions. The paper also describes the characteristics of an electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a widely used painless technique used to determine heart rate rhythm or frequency. The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization of the heart which lasts between 0.06–0.10 seconds; the Q wave starts through depolarization of interventricular septum while R wave/peak reflects depolarization of myocardium in both chambers. In conclusion this tutorial provides researchers with an opportunity to independently assemble the ArdMob-ECG device for their own scientific studies; code and circuit are publicly available accessible to everyone promoting better health system in remote areas Open Science ultimately fostering innovation.