Abstract: A compressed data display system. There is disclosed a system for recording over extended periods of time EKG and other vital signs of a patient and for automatically displaying the waveforms in a compressed and readily interpretable manner. The EKG waveform is recorded on looped paper supported by and/or wrapped around rotatable drum or drums which may have cylindrical shape. The EKG is recorded in helical or spiral fashion by simultaneously rotating the drum and transversely moving a galvanometer pen in the direction of the axis of rotation of the drum or cylinder. After the paper is removed, if it is a continuous or closed loop, it can be slit and opened into a single sheet. The recorded EKG waveforms are thus displayed compressed in a line-over-line manner and provide the physician with a clear picture of the patient's heart activity for extended periods of time.