TELEPHONOCARDIOGRAPHY: THE TRANSMISSION OF ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS BY TELEPHONE

Transmission of electrocardiograms via long-distance telephone (telephonocardiography) from Wingham to London, Ontario, was carried out over a period of three months, early in 1964. The object of this study was to ascertain whether or not the telephonocardiogram was a practical and reliable method of interpreting such tracings for outlying areas. During this period 102 tracings were recorded on 71 patients. Thirty-one (30%) of the tracings were normal and 71 (70%) abnormal. Analysis of the clinical data revealed that the telephonocardiogram was extremely valuable in five of 71 patients (7%) and was also of considerable value to 11 other patients (16%) in providing immediate diagnosis and thereby indicating definite treatment. The trial also demonstrated that the method was practical, accurate and easy to perform.