An algorithm based on wavelet transform (WTs) suitable for real time implementation has been developed in order to detect ECG characteristics. In particular, QRS complexes, P and T waves may be distinguished from noise, baseline drift or artefacts. This algorithm is implemented in a DSP (SPROC-1400) with a 50 MHz frequency clock. The performance of this algorithm is discussed, its accuracy is evaluated and a comparison is made with a similar algorithm implemented in C language. For the standard MIT/BIH arrhythmia database, this algorithm correctly detects 99.7% of the QRS complexes.