Category Award:   0 (GRAND AWARD)

Research Plan:
I will research the effects of strenuous exercise in low-temperature environments on cardiovascular problems. I will gather data that helps me find out what are some warning signs for cardiac arrest and how it can be prevented.

I will download a code for a heartbeat sensor and build my own heartbeat sensor using an Arduino Uno and various sensors and electrical components. I will also include code for an LCD display so that sensor outputs can be clearly displayed and read.

I will then incorporate a temperature sensor into the device and code and calibrate it using the Arduino software in order to ensure accurate temperature readings. I’ll also include a timer to detect how much time has been spent doing the strenuous activity.

After that, I will insert a piezo buzzer into my code so that a buzz can be heard when a warning is given. I will then program my code to give a warning anytime a person’s heart rate is too high per the surrounding temperature or has spent too much time doing work.

Following that I will test if the device can give people a heart attack warning correctly by adjusting the numbers so that it is easier to trigger and can simulate a real heart attack.

Lastly I will then attach the device to a glove so that it can be used in practical situations.

Abstract:
The purpose of this project is to make a cost effective device that will alert users of cardiac risk during strenuous winter activities. Every year in the U.S alone 100+ people die and thousands more experience heart attacks while shoveling snow. People are often not aware of the risks of snow shoveling or do not have the technology that could warn them in advance. Studies show that a combination of cold air, which constricts arteries, and strenuous activity can increase the chance of having a heart attack. In order to solve this issue, I have designed a winter glove, that measures heart rate, air temperature using a heart sensor, temperature sensor, Arduino Uno device, other electronic components and C++ programming. Next, I added an LCD that displays the heart rate, temperature, time spent outside, and their health status (Good, At Risk, Take a Break) for the consumer to be aware of any issues. Then, I added a RGB led and coded it so that whenever the heart rate was too high for the cold air temperature, it would turn red. Later, I tested it with the heart sensor inside a winter glove. Lastly, I have incorporated a threshold at which the device displays warning that the user is at cardiac risk. Note the parameters were set low such that heart attack is not required to demonstrate the device works. Testing demonstrated the device functions as intended. Thus, it can be concluded that a glove can stop a heart attack.