From Thumb-Sized Monitors to Smart Home Health Systems: How Hejia Health Makes Continuous Monitoring Ubiquitous
ECG monitoring is a relatively mature technical field, but with the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data algorithms, ECG monitoring has opened up new possibilities for innovation.
For patients with heart disease, warning symptoms often appear more than 15 minutes before cardiac arrest, and continuous monitoring during postoperative cardiac rehabilitation can reduce postoperative mortality by 26%. Therefore, long-term, continuous tracking and monitoring of dynamic cardiac conditions are extremely important throughout the entire process, from preventive screening and assisted diagnosis to postoperative rehabilitation.
However, the primary use scenarios for ECG monitoring devices remain limited to hospitals, medical institutions, or health management facilities, with insufficient penetration in homes and offices. Yet, patients cannot visit hospitals for examinations at all times. On one hand, neither static electrocardiograms nor 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitors can provide true continuous monitoring; on the other hand, patients spend considerable time waiting in queues.
Therefore, portable ECG monitors, with advantages such as portability, ease of use, and timely monitoring, have begun to become the preferred choice for patients with heart disease and individuals in a sub-health state. Among them, a company named Hainan Hejia Health Technology (abbreviated as: Hejia Health) has developed a single-lead ECG monitor weighing only 7 grams, with a size similar to a thumb. The monitoring principle of this ECG monitor is the same as that of the electrocardiographs used in hospitals, making it suitable as a home monitoring device for those in need.
Hejia Health’s R&D team told VCBeat, “The mobile, medical-grade miniature device we have developed for collecting human vital signs data can be used in homes, public spaces, offices, and other settings, enabling long-term follow-up anytime and anywhere.”
Hejia Health, established in 2017, is a high-tech enterprise specializing in dynamic monitoring of chronic diseases. Its core team comprises experts from the PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital) and master’s and doctoral graduates from leading universities in China and abroad. High-level technical professionals account for over 40% of the workforce, bringing extensive R&D experience and strong management capabilities.
It is reported that the founder has a military background and possesses over ten years of experience working in military hospitals. He previously engaged in surgical practice, medical technology, and innovative research on medical devices at the PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital), participating in the design of multiple national- and provincial-level innovative research projects. He specializes in the research and development of miniaturized home health devices for collecting human vital sign data, as well as the application of big data analytics to such data. Discussing his original motivation for starting the business, the founder stated, “Having worked in the healthcare industry for many years, I have gained some insight into industry trends and application needs. I hope to serve the general public with my innovative designs and improve people’s health through technology.”
The Hejia Health team has observed in its previous work that the primary usage scenarios for ECG monitoring devices remain confined to hospitals, medical institutions, and health management facilities, with insufficient penetration in homes and offices. However, patients cannot visit hospitals or similar facilities for examinations at all times. On one hand, neither static ECG tests nor 24-hour Holter monitoring can achieve true continuous monitoring; on the other hand, patients spend considerable time waiting in queues.
In response to the limitations of ECG monitoring in various usage scenarios, Hejia Health has been developing multiple smart portable devices since 2018, including wearable single-lead ECG monitors and miniature 12-lead ECG monitors. The company is committed to miniaturizing monitoring equipment traditionally used in medical systems. The characteristics of small size, wearability, and low cost facilitate the rapid expansion of application scenarios for medical-grade monitoring instruments.
Among these, the single-lead ECG monitor is the third-generation product from Hejia Health, characterized by its compact size and lightweight design. The device’s operation can be summarized as an integration of “hardware + algorithms + mobile app.” After users attach the device to the precordial region, it collects data through either short-term instant measurements or 24-hour ambulatory monitoring. During this process, users are not required to hold the device, allowing them to maintain their normal daily activities without disruption. The backend system automatically performs algorithmic analysis and generates monitoring reports. Once users bind the device to their personal information, they can view real-time electrocardiograms (ECGs) on the mobile app. The device can also be set to offline storage mode, eliminating the need for the mobile app to remain online continuously; data can be uploaded after testing is completed, and monitoring reports can then be viewed within the app.
# Team IntroductionIn the next phase, Hejia Health will integrate its online diagnosis and treatment platform or partner medical institutions into the APP. Users can consult online, using test reports as valid evidence to assist in diagnoses by online doctors or physicians at physical hospitals.
Beyond the field of ECG monitoring, Hejia Health has also expanded its R&D focus to blood pressure monitoring. The 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a product developed to support the construction of hospital information systems and can be used for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring both within and outside hospitals. Currently, these three products are about to enter the phase of large-scale pilot implementation.
At this stage, Hejia Health has prepared a low-cost health kit tailored to home-based scenarios, which includes self-developed compact devices such as a single-lead ECG monitor, a miniature 12-lead ECG monitor, an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, a sleep monitor, and a pulse oximeter.
Introduction to the Hejia Health TeamHejia Health is developing an intelligent home health system for smart buildings. This system represents a specialized branch of smart building technology, establishing a compact wireless continuous data service environment within the home through data-collecting device terminals. In simple terms, it involves installing a dedicated network device in the home, freeing users from reliance on smartphones, as “smartphones are somewhat discordant elements in the home environment.”
After installation, a system network connector will be present in the user’s home; alternatively, a mobile phone can serve as the connector. The device is simple to operate and user-friendly for the elderly. Data analysis reports will be displayed on the home service terminal monitor and shared with the homeowner’s healthcare service provider.
Furthermore, Hejia Health collaborates with real estate developers to equip mature communities with “Health Huts,” providing higher-level face-to-face health services, such as physiological monitoring that cannot be conducted in a home setting, physical examinations, and rehabilitation guidance.
Collaboration with real estate developers has enhanced community amenities and overall quality, while also facilitating the faster integration of Hejia Health products into residential communities. Team members noted that during construction, developers reserve space for dedicated network equipment, thereby improving the user experience in practical applications. “Real estate developers provide services to homeowners during the initial years after move-in. Upon expiration of this service period, homeowners may choose whether to purchase continued services based on their household needs.”
Currently, Hejia Health has established partnerships with Hainan Lecheng Technology Real Estate and various property developments under Hainan Modern Group, prioritizing the pilot implementation of proprietary network equipment and “Health Kiosks.” After achieving a certain level of market recognition, Hejia Health will consider further increasing its market share through collaborations with other well-known real estate firms, e-commerce platforms, or government entities.
Hejia Health’s team stated that it aims to establish industry standards for its smart home-based health system in Hainan in the future. It is reported that, after obtaining certification from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its kit, Hejia Health will strengthen team building and accelerate research and development efforts. To this end, the company is considering a new round of financing.