Dedicating Innovations to Support Parents’ Health

Based on data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016, cardiovascular disease, or heart disease is the number one cause of death in the world. Coronary heart patients usually experience heart rhythm problems, commonly referred to as arrhythmia. The form of arrhythmia itself can be divided into two types, namely tachycardia (heart rate above normal in resting condition) and bradycardia (heart rate below normal).

Usually, one of the tools used to monitor the heart rate is a pulse oximeter. This tool has a function to measure oxygen levels in the body by a percentage unit. Utilizing the sensors from the device, Ivan Muljono, the Best Academic Graduate from the Electrical Engineering Study Program at the Faculty of Engineering, Widya Mandala Catholic University of Surabaya (WMCUS), developed an android-based heart rate monitor. This research is also a topic of his thesis as part of the completion of his undergraduate study.

The way it works, the heart monitor is clamped to the index finger of the left hand. Then, after connecting to the internet, the device will detect the battery capacity first before starting to measure the heart rate. If the internet connection and battery capacity are adequate, a measurement of heart rate is carried out. If the device detects abnormal heart speed, the device can provide an alarm through an indicator light and send notifications to the android-based smart phones of the user.

Making this tool is not without obstacles. Ivan had to experience a series of trial and error until the tool was completely ready. “The most memorable experience was when I was troubleshooting the tool that I have been designing, but then l still could not use it. “Yes, like that, it’s really difficult to make the tool,” Ivan said. Assembling this tool itself took him up to two months.

The success of the tool is also supported by many parties. Ivan claimed to be very grateful to his thesis supervisor, Lanny Agustine, S.T., M.T., and Drs. Peter Rhatodirdjo Angka, M.Kom. who both helped him in the final project. In addition, he was also assisted by Ir. Albert Gunadhi, S.T., M.T., I.P.M, Diana Lestariningsih, S.T., M.T., and Widya Andyardja, Ph.D.

“I hope that this tool can be a source of inspiration for others that we need to pay attention to our health. In addition, nowadays, students need to study technological developments in the medical field, especially those that can be connected to the internet, so that doctors can monitor the condition of their patients using medical devices from a distance,” said the man who was active as a member of the Student Representative Body during college of the Faculty of Engineering. Finally, Ivan also dedicated his homemade tools to support his parents’ health in the future.