Fords to Warn Drivers When Heart Attack Is Nigh?

Automaker announces new technology
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted May 24, 2011 12:10 PM CDT
Fords to Warn Drivers When Heart Attack Is Nigh?
This photo made Feb. 10, 2011, shows the Ford emblem on the grill of a 2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD at the opening of the Pittsburgh International Auto Show, in Pittsburgh.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

“Macho Man” Randy Savage died after he had a heart attack behind the wheel and crashed into a tree—but new Ford technology could one day prevent a similar tragedy. The automaker has developed a car seat enabled with sensors that will monitor the driver’s heart through electrical impulses—all without needing to hook anything up, USA Today reports. The high-tech seats could provide early warning of an impending heart attack, though Ford is still tweaking the system to accommodate different size passengers and different types of clothing.

Last week, Ford announced several other health-related technological advancements that could someday enable its cars to monitor other health conditions including allergies and diabetes. "With the aging population and this interest in health and wellness, there could be an interest in this type of technology," says a director at one of Ford’s research centers. But the incoming American Heart Association president points out, "Anybody who requires minute-by-minute monitoring probably shouldn't be driving.” (More heart attack stories.)

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