Republic of Iraq

Ministry of Higher education and scientific research

Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Device Engineering

Remote ECG Monitoring Using Arduino

A Graduation Project Is Submitted to the Al-Mustaqbal University in

Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of
Science in Department of Medical Device Engineering

By B.Sc. Students
‫ايمن راتب صالح‬ ‫مؤمل رياض عبد االمير‬
‫كرار حيدر كاظم‬ ‫عباس حيدر محمد‬
‫مصطفى عالء حسين‬ ‫حسين كريم عبد الحسين‬
‫طاهر صفاء محمد‬

Supervisor

‫م احمد حلمي كاظم‬.‫م‬

Babylon, Iraq

2024 - 2023
 ‫ين الَ‬ ‫قُل هل يستَوِي الَّ ِذين يعلَمون والَّ ِ‬
‫ذ‬
‫َ َْ ُ َ َ َ‬ ‫ْ َ َْْ‬
‫ون إِنََّما يَتَذَكَّ ُر أُولُو األ ْلبَ ِ‬
‫اب‬ ‫يَ ْعلَ ُم َ‬

‫سورة الزمر(اآلية ‪)9‬‬

 Dedication

I dedicate this work

To… my family, my project supervisor, the people

who I love, Friends

And

Everyone who believes in me.

"Thanks for supporting"

 Supervisor's Certificate

I certify that this thesis entitled “Remote ECG Monitoring Using

Arduino ” has been prepared under my supervision at Medical Device
Engineering Department, Al-Mustaqbal University – Iraq, as a
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of
Science in Medical Device Engineering Department.

Signature
MSC.Ahmed Helmy Kadhim
Date / / 2025
 Acknowledgments

(In The Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful)

(Thanks to Allah for his guidance and help)

I wish to express my deep gratitude to my supervisor for his

Invaluable help, advice and encouragement during the various
Stages of the present work.

My grateful acknowledgment is due to My father and

My mother for their assistance and patience.

Finally, I record my sincere gratitude to all those who have

Helped me throughout this research even by a one word.

2025
Table of Content
.

Abstract

Heart disease was becoming a big disease which health killer people for many
years. Therefore, this disease cannot be taken lightly. Hence, most health care
equipment and monitoring system are designed to keep track the disease.

As we know that by analyzing or monitoring the ECG signal at initial stage

this disease can be prevented. So, we are working in this project. It is an
Arduino UNO based project which is supposed to calculate SpO2, heart rate
and monitor ECG of a patient. The ECG sensor and the oximeter sensor
measure the number of heart beats per minute, as well as the SPO2 sensor for
measuring the percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood. They were
programmed inside the Arduino and using the C++ programming language,
and the programming was done in a consistent manner. When the devices and
sensors are turned on, they are connected to the screen to display data

As for the data that will be displayed on the screen, it will display the name of
the university and college, the name of the project, the name of the supervisor,
and the name of the students, in addition to the heart rate -spo2 readings.

hs06 is a Bluetooth antenna through its own application to transmit a signal to

a phone via the XY remote application.
Chapter One

Introduction
Chapter one Introduction

Chapter One

Overview
Internet of things (IOT) is principle of being able to manage, analysis and
control specific object at anywhere by using internet, different devices of
network are connected by means of different physical media, which is
accomplished by sensors, that receives the signal from real averment in the
world, then this data is transmitted by utilizing the internet to specific cloud to
be used by specialist for monitoring, controlling and make decisions based on
different algorithms and methods. IOT can be used widely in medical
application. For older people, who are suffered from cardio disease, real time
monitoring can provide the doctor with very important information about heart
activity, the most significant means of heart activity status is
electrocardiogram (ECG)signal,
This Monitoring patient’s vital health signs at home are very important to save
the patient’s precious life. The advancement in technology made it a simple
task for both the patients with critical heart diseases and another critical health
conditions along with their respective doctors to monitor the important health
signs at home instead of being at the hospital the whole time [1][2]. An
important health sign for patients with such conditions is the blood oxygen
saturation known as SpO2. The pulse oximeter continuously and non-
invasively monitors the level of the oxygen saturation in the blood of the
patient. The collected data from the pulse oximeter is then sent to the doctors
in their PCs. Also, with the aid of software, it sends alarm message whenever
it detects an abnormal condition such as “SpO2 level drop, the sensor being
detached weak signal and etc. Many studies where done and they highlighted
the advantages of using the pulse oximetry in monitoring the blood saturation

1
Chapter one Introduction

levels for patient with critical heart diseases. For example, Simon and Clark
reported that the use of pulse oximetry decreased the need to use arterial blood
gas analysis by 37%. Additionally, they reported that the use of the pulse
oximetry caused significant changes in the medical treatment of disorders in
the emergency rooms.
Pulse oximeter is a medical instrument that can detect heart-rate and oxygen
saturation as signatures of our level of health condition. It can be implemented
as a small device, and therefore, has been used widely in different applications.
The core theory behind the pulse oximeter is the variability of the absorption
coefficient of photons going through human tissues at different wavelength.
Since people are caring about the amount of oxygen saturation in our blood,
the specific wavelength region should be settled which is the most sensitive to
the oxygen in our blood. In our blood, oxygenated hemoglobin (Hb) and
deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb), which can be used to measure human
blood oxygen level, have stronger absorbers of light with wavelength in the
range of 650 nm-1000 nm (Figure 1). In this wavelength range, other layers of
human body, for instance water and fat, have a very low absorption coefficient
comparing with that of oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated
hemoglobin. Also, the good news is that the light absorption of Hb and deoxy-
Hb at the two different wavelengths is different. When the light of around 650
nm wavelength is emitted to our blood, deoxy-Hb absorbs more than oxy.

The problem statements

According to the World Health Organization, 17 million people die from
cardiovascular diseases, accounting for up to 31% of deaths worldwide. Hence
it is a way to prevent or help reduce losses in people's lives.
1-Limited Access to Care

2
Chapter one Introduction

Many patients, especially in rural or underdeveloped areas, have limited access

to regular healthcare services, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer
outcomes and often require patients to be physically present in a healthcare
facility, limiting their ability to receive continuous care and limiting the reach
of healthcare professionals.
2-Lack of Continuous Monitoring
Patients with chronic conditions often lack the ability to have their health
monitored continuously, increasing the risk of complications.
3-High Healthcare Costs
The current healthcare system often relies on frequent in-person visits, which
can be a financial burden for patients and the healthcare system.

4-Delayed Response Times

Without real-time data and remote monitoring capabilities, healthcare
professionals may face challenges in quickly identifying and addressing
emerging health issues, potentially leading to delays in treatment and
suboptimal patient outcomes.

The Main Goals of Project

The following are the most important objectives of the project:

1-Easy to use

2-Better patient experience

4-Cost Optimization

5-Continuous Monitoring

6-Improved Accessibility

7-Remote Access.

3
Chapter one Introduction

Outlines
In addition to what explained above, this research will show the theory
part in chapter two, the practical part in chapter three, the result and
experiments in chapter four, finally this research will finish with
conclusion and future works.

4
Chapter Two

Theory Part
Chapter Two Theory Part

2 Chapter Two
Introduction
The previous chapter discuss an overview about the project, the problems
that can be solved with it, brief description about similar projects and lastly the
main goal of it.
This chapter will discuss what was used to build and achieve this project from
Arduino programming language and sensors.

Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the evolutionary stage of the internet,
which makes a global communicating infrastructure between humans and
machines. IoT is constructing the global infrastructure which will change the
fundamental aspects of our lives, from health services to manufacturing, from
agriculture to mining. IoT will offer the necessary facilities of the latest rising
artificial intelligence (AI) development[5].

Artificial Intelligence
• AI is Machine-based intelligent Decision-Making
• AI system: set of tools to emulate human intelligence by:
➢ Leaning (Data Collection)
➢ Exercising and engaging (Data Analysis)
➢ Decisions & Actions[9]

Hardware Components

2.4.1 Arduino Microcontroller:

In the subject project, the Arduino Nano microcontroller board has been
used as the core processing unit. The Arduino Nano is a small, complete, and
breadboard-friendly. It is Arduino's classic breadboard friendly designed board
with the smallest dimensions. The Arduino Nano comes with pin headers that

4
Chapter Two Theory Part

allow for an easy attachment onto a breadboard and features a Mini-B USB
connector[10], see Figure (2.4).

Figure 2.4 Arduino Nano

2.4.2 ECG
An ECG is a paper or digital recording of the electrical signals in the heart.
It is also called an electrocardiogram or an EKG. The ECG is used to determine
heart rate, heart rhythm, and other information regarding the heart’s condition.
ECGs are used to help diagnose heart arrhythmias, heart attacks, pacemaker
function, and heart failure.

2.4.3 Oximeter
The pulse oximeter, or Pulse Ox, is an electronic device that measures the
saturation of oxygen carried in your red blood cells. Pulse oximeters can be
attached to your fingers, forehead, nose, foot, ears or toes. The device may then
be reused or disposed of.

5
Chapter Two Theory Part

Figure 2.5 Oximeter Sensor

2.4.3.1 How does Pulse Oximeter Works?

Oxygen enters the lungs and then is passed on into blood. The blood carries
oxygen to the various organs in our body. The main way oxygen is carried in our
blood is by means of hemoglobin. During a pulse oximetry reading, a small
clamp-like device is placed on a finger, earlobe, or toe.

Figure 2.6 Mechanism of Plus Oximeter

Small beams of light pass through the blood in the finger, measuring the amount
of oxygen. It does this by measuring changes in light absorption in oxygenated or
deoxygenated blood.

6
Chapter Two Theory Part

Figure 2.7 Mechanism of Oximeter Sensor

2.4.3.2 MAX30100 Pulse Oximeter

Figure 2.8 MAX30100 Plus Sensor

The sensor is an integrated pulse oximetry and heart-rate monitor sensor solution.
It combines two LED’s, a photo detector, optimized optics, and low-noise analog
signal processing to detect pulse and heart-rate signals. It operates from 1.8V and
3.3V power supplies and can be powered down through software with negligible
standby current, permitting the power supply to remain connected at all times.

2.4.3.3 Working of MAX30100 Pulse Oximeter and Heart-Rate

Sensor
The device has two LEDs, one emitting red light, another emitting infrared
light. For pulse rate, only the infrared light is needed. Both the red light and
infrared light is used to measure oxygen levels in the blood. When the heart
pumps blood, there is an increase in oxygenated blood as a result of having more
7
Chapter Two Theory Part

blood. As the heart relaxes, the volume of oxygenated blood also decreases. By
knowing the time between the increase and decrease of oxygenated blood, the
pulse rate is determined.

It turns out, oxygenated blood absorbs more infrared light and passes more red
light while deoxygenated blood absorbs red light and passes more infrared light.
This is the main function of the MAX30100: it reads the absorption levels for
both light sources and stored them in a buffer that can be read via I2C.

2.4.4 ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module

The ESP8266 WIFI module is low-cost standalone wireless transceiver
that can be used for end-point IoT developments.
ESP8266 WIFI module enables internet connectivity to embedded applications.
It uses TCP/UDP communication protocol to connect with the server/client.

Figure 2.9 Wifi Sensor

8
Chapter Two Theory Part

Connection Diagram of ESP8266 with Arduino

Figure 2.10 Diagram of ESP 8266

2.4.5 DS18B20 Temperature Sensor

The digital temperature sensor like DS18B20 follows single wire protocol
and it can be used to measure temperature in the range of -67oF to +257oF or -
55oC to +125oC with +-5% accuracy. The range of received data from the 1-wire
can range from 9-bit to 12-bit. Because, this sensor follows the single wire
protocol, and the controlling of this can be done through an only pin of
Microcontroller. This is an advanced level protocol, where each sensor can be set
with a 64-bit serial code which aids to control numerous sensors using a single
pin of the microcontroller. This article discusses an overview of a DS18B20
temperature sensor.

9
Chapter Two Theory Part

2.4.6 Breadboard
Breadboards are one of the most fundamental pieces when learning how to
build circuits. In this tutorial, you will learn a little bit about what breadboards
are, why they are called breadboards, and how to use one. Once you are done you
should have a basic understanding of how breadboards work and be able to build
a basic circuit on a breadboard[15] ,See Figure(2.12).

Figure 2.12 Breadboard

2.4.7 Jumper Wire

A short length of conductor used to link two cross-connect
termination points of a circuit, or to bypass a circuit [16],See Fig. (2.13)

10
Chapter Two Theory Part

Figure 2.13 jumper wire

Software Components

2.5.1 Arduino
• Arduino IDE is an open-source software, designed by Arduino.cc and
mainly used for writing, compiling & uploading code to almost all Arduino
Modules.
• It is an official Arduino software, making code compilation too easy that
even a common person with no prior technical knowledge can get their feet
wet with the learning process.
• It is available for all operating systems i.e. MAC, Windows, Linux and
runs on the Java Platform that comes with inbuilt functions and commands
that play a vital role in debugging, editing and compiling the code.
• A range of Arduino modules available including Arduino Uno, Arduino
Mega, Arduino Leonardo, Arduino Micro and many more, see
Figure(2.14).
• Download from (https://www.arduino.cc)[11].

11
Chapter Two Theory Part

Figure 2.14 Arduino IDE

2.5.2 C++ language

C++ is a cross-platform language that can be used to create high-

performance applications.it was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup, as an extension
to the language++ gives programmers a high level of control over system resources
and memory[19].

2.5.3 Remote XY Application

Remote XY lets you create graphical interfaces for smartphones to control
boards like Arduino from anywhere

Steps working on the application:

• Create graphical interface

• Download source code
• Connect communication module
• Install mobile app for controlling[20]

12
Chapter Three

System Design
Chapter Three System Design

3 Chapter Three
Introduction
The previous chapter presented an overview of Internet of things, sensors,
and all tools and environments used to implement the proposed approach. This
chapter present an overview of the proposed approach system that provide
efficient resource allocation approach and also describe the design of the
proposed system in detailed. A brief description of the steps of the research
method and the system will be included in this chapter.

Proposed System Design

In the below Figure (3.1), this interface of the main Design of The Project

Figure 3.1 Main Design of Project

The entire project mainly consists of some steps modules, as shown in the below
figures.

Figure 3.2 The sensors connection to the Arduino

The Figure (3.3) below steps, while working on the project.

Figure 3.3 Steps of working on the project

16
Chapter Three System Design

Methodology
An ECG Sensor with disposable electrodes attaches directly to the chest to
detect every heartbeat. The electrodes of ECG sensor will conversion heart beat
to electric signal. ECG Sensors is very light weight, slim and accurately to
measures continuous heart beat and give rate data of heart beat. This device
always uses by trained doctor and medical assistances.
Electrodes of ECG Sensor have 3 pins and connected by cable with 30 inches in
length. It is make ECG sensor easy to connect with controller and placed at the
waist or pocket. In additional, the plug-in for the cable is a male sound plug which
will make the cable to easily removed or inserted into the amplifier board. The
sensor assembled on an arm pulse and a leg pulse. All of every sensor electrode
have methods to assemble in body. So, training and tutorials are needed for user.
You can choose type of electrode to measure heartbeat.

Code of the Project

The below figure (3.4), show the code of the Project

Figure 3.4 Code of the Project

17
 Chapter Four

Conclusions and
Suggestions for the Future
Work
Chapter Five Conclusion and Future Works

4 Chapter Five
Introduction
The previous chapter we discussed the final results of the project. In this
chapter we will discuss the conclusion of the whole project and the future works.

Conclusion
Smart control systems have revolutionized the way medical devices are used,
offering increased precision, accessibility, and real-time monitoring. This project
explores the integration of Arduino-based smart control systems in medical devices,
specifically focusing on the design and development of an Arduino-powered
oximeter. The proposed system utilizes sensors to measure oxygen saturation levels
and heart rate, which are vital parameters for assessing patient health. The Arduino
microcontroller processes the sensor data and displays the information on a
connected screen for easy monitoring. The advantages of using Arduino include
cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and flexibility, allowing for easy customization and
scalability for diverse healthcare applications. The results indicate that Arduino-
based oximeters provide a viable solution for low-cost, portable, and accurate health
monitoring, contributing to personalized healthcare and continuous patient care.

Future Scope
In future work more powerful transmitters with higher range will be
used and the flexibility to use the internet to send the data to the receiving site will
be fully explored.

20
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