Specialist in Cardiology and Internal Medicine Specialized in Rhythmology
Palpitations, dizziness, fainting spells. Heart monitoring can help find the cause of the symptoms. Prof. Dr.Richard Kobza on a diagnostic device that can save lives.
Who needs heart monitoring?
A cardiac monitor is used to continuously record a patient's cardiac activity and thus collect information about possible cardiac arrhythmias. The device is suitable for patients who are suspected of having arrhythmias or who have already been diagnosed with one.
What else can be behind fainting spells?
Fainting spells can have various causes and are not only caused by heart problems. Some other possible causes of fainting can be blood pressure drop, neurological disorders, dehydration, hyperventilation, anemia, epilepsy, or psychological disorders. In these situations, the heart monitor would not indicate arrhythmia.
How often does the physician monitor the recorded data?
The implanted heart monitor continuously records. data about the patient's heart activity, transmitting it wirelessly to a special platform. The physician can then analyze the recorded data. The data is usually monitored over a period of several months or years, depending on the instructions of the attending physician. The device can also be set to alarm when certain conditions or abnormalities occur in the patient's heart rhythm. In this way, the physician can act quickly to prevent potentially life-threatening situations. However, it is important to remember that the heart monitor is a diagnostic device and is not suitable for monitoring during emergencies.
Does the device intervene to correct cardiac arrhythmias like a pacemaker?
A cardiac monitor does not intervene in a corrective manner. If the physician detects a cardiac arrhythmia or other abnormality, he or she may recommend treatment, which may include a pacemaker. The heart monitor is only a diagnostic device and is not used to treat arrhythmias.
How is the heart monitor implanted?
The heart monitor is usually implanted on an outpatient basis. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Through a small incision of about 5 mm, the device is placed under the skin of the patient's chest. The whole procedure usually takes only a few minutes, and patients can return to their normal activities shortly afterwards.
How often does the battery need to be changed?
The battery life is usually four to five years. After this time, the heart monitor must be replaced in a short procedure. However, the diagnosis is usually made before the expiration time, so the monitor can be removed without any problems.
Can the device prevent a heart attack or stroke?
Thanks to cardiac monitoring, many cardiac arrhythmias can be detected and treated at an early stage before serious complications such as a stroke occur. Monitoring alone is no guarantee of preventing a heart attack or stroke. It is only one tool used to diagnose arrhythmias and monitor patients with certain heart conditions.
The heart monitor works with algorithms. Why?
The algorithms are designed to detect a variety of cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia and other arrhythmias. The algorithms are regularly updated and improved to ensure that the cardiac monitor reflects the latest medical technology.
Doesn't this cause anxiety for the patient if he has his heart rate constantly in view?
Wearing a heart monitor can be a frightening experience for some patients with heart problems, as they may feel constantly reminded that their heart is being monitored. However, it is important to emphasize that most patients quickly become accustomed to wearing the monitor and find it a helpful way to monitor their heart activity. The device can also provide a sense of security and control. However, it is important that patients are fully informed by their physicians about the use of the cardiac monitor to minimize anxiety or worry.
The article was published: https://www.doktorstutz.ch/keine-macht-der-ohnmacht/
