A model of packet loss in the Bluetooth Low Energy component of a wearable body area network caused by interference from a residential microwave oven

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States. Advances in wireless technology have made possible the remote monitoring of a patient's heart sensors as part of a body area network. Some of these networks use a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) component to transmit the signal between the bio sensors and a smart phone. This study investigates the impact that stray wireless transmissions from residential microwave ovens have on the BLE component of the body area network. The results of this study may lead to improvements and widespread use of body area network medical systems, which may lead to better monitoring, more data, and fewer fatalities due to misdiagnosed heart conditions.