Heart Rhythm Monitoring

Heart rhythm monitoring is a technique to monitor a patient’s heart rate and rhythm. At CardioCare, our well-trained cardiologists perform and interpret heart rhythm monitoring reports to identity and treat heart rhythm problems known as arrhythmias.

What Is a Heart Monitor?

A heart monitor is a device that records your heart’s electrical activity, providing insights into your heart rhythm and heart rate. It may be necessary to monitor your heart rhythm for longer than the short time it takes to do an EKG or a stress test. This requires longer-term heart rhythm monitoring with either a wearable heart monitor (for example a zio patch or holter monitor) or an implantable loop recorder. Wearable heart monitors can be worn for extended periods (days to weeks) to monitor your heart continuously for arrhythmias.

Why Do I Need a Heart Rhythm Monitor?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a heart rhythm monitor for various reasons. Here are some key situations where it’s beneficial:

• Following Symptoms: If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath, a heart monitor can help determine the cause. These symptoms could indicate issues like atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), heart failure, or other serious conditions.
• Unexplained Stroke: If you’ve had a stroke with no clear cause, a heart monitor can help identify whether a cardiac arrhythmia contributed to the event.
• Evaluating Heart Rhythm: Your doctor may order a heart monitor to get a detailed picture of your heart rhythm over a longer period than a standard EKG allows. This is especially useful in detecting intermittent arrhythmias that may not appear during a standard EKG.
• Diagnosing Arrhythmias: Heart monitors are instrumental in diagnosing various types of arrhythmias. They can accurately identify the type, frequency, and duration of abnormal heart rhythms which helps doctors determine the appropriate treatment.
• Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness: After starting a new medication or having a procedure for an arrhythmia, your doctor may recommend heart monitoring to ensure that the treatment is effective. It can help detect any residual abnormalities or identify adverse effects.
• Assessing Risk: In some cases, your doctor might order a heart monitor to better assess your risk of developing cardiac problems. This is common for patients with other conditions that might increase their risk, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Types of Heart Monitors

CardioCare offers a variety of heart monitors to suit different needs. Here’s a breakdown of each type:

Holter Monitor

This is a portable device that you wear for up to 48 hours (and sometimes up to 30 days). It uses 2-3 small EKG leads that attach to your chest with stickers. The leads connect to a recording device that you carry or wear around your waist. This device records your heart’s electrical activity continuously. It’s similar to an EKG, but it monitors over a longer period to capture intermittent abnormalities.

Zio XT Patch or Cardiosolo

Zio patch or Cardiosolo a sticker that contains an electrode that sticks to your chest wall and can be worn for up to two weeks to monitor your heart rhythm. It’s a small device, and you can take a shower and exercise while wearing it. It’s comfortable and discreet, and continuously monitors your heart rhythm.

Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR)

For patients with infrequent or unpredictable arrhythmias, an ILR is a small device implanted under the skin to continuously monitor the heart’s electrical activity for an extended time, usually up to 3 years. It only records when it detects an irregular heartbeat. This is a good option for patients with recurring symptoms for whom other methods of heart rhythm monitoring provide insufficient information for diagnosis.

How Does a Heart Monitor Work?

Here’s how a heart monitor works, regardless of its type:

• Electrical Signal Detection: Sensors or electrodes are attached to your skin, usually on the chest, to detect the electrical signals generated by your heart’s electrical activity.
• Signal Transmission: These signals are transmitted to a recording device.
• Data Recording: The device records your heartbeat and heart rhythm continuously over a set period.
• Data Interpretation: Healthcare professionals analyze this data to identify any irregularities in your heart rate and heart rhythm, potentially indicating arrhythmias or other conditions.
• Device Type: The length of recording and the type of device (e.g., Holter monitor, Zio patch, implantable loop recorder) will vary based on your needs.

When the monitoring period with your wearable heart monitor is complete, you’ll typically have a follow-up appointment with your cardiologist to review the recorded data. This procedure involves your doctor reviewing the electrical activity recorded by the device. Based on this review, they will develop or adjust your treatment plan to address any issues that they identified during the monitoring period.

Restrictions During Heart Monitor Use

The restrictions on activities while wearing a heart monitor will vary based on the type and instructions that your healthcare provider offers. Here are some common restrictions:

• Water Activities: Many heart monitors are not waterproof and should not be worn during swimming, bathing, or showering. However, some models, such as the Zio XT patch, allow showering. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
• Magnetic Fields: Strong magnetic fields can interfere with the monitor’s readings. Avoid close proximity to large magnets (MRI machines, industrial magnets) or certain electronic devices.
• Electronic Devices: Some electronic devices may interfere with the monitor’s signals so you’ll need to keep electronic devices a safe distance from the monitor.
• Specific Activities: Your doctor may advise you to avoid specific activities like strenuous exercise, depending on your individual health condition and the type of monitor you’re using. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

The most important thing is to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. If you don’t adhere to these restrictions, it may result in inaccurate readings or damage to the device, impacting the accurate diagnosis and how effectively it manages your heart condition.

Why Choose CardioCare for Heart Rhythm Monitoring?

Your heart health is our priority. At CardioCare, we provide personalized, expert care and advanced heart rhythm monitoring services with a focus on:

• Care tailored to your individual needs and concerns.
• Highly skilled and experienced physicians providing the best possible care.
• State-of-the-art equipment for precise results and effective treatment planning.
• Easy-to-understand explanations of your results and treatment options.
• A relaxed and supportive environment.