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

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.