Do you sometimes feel like your chest is pounding, or you feel faint or dizzy? But the strange thing is, when you go to the doctor, it goes away. It's like when your car makes a strange noise, but when you turn it on, it goes away without a sound? That's when doctors use a special device to monitor your heart rhythm over a long period of time. That's what we're talking about today.
What is this heart monitor?
Simply put, it's a small device that you can wear or carry around. It continuously records your heart rate and rhythm. Your doctor can then review this data and make a diagnosis about your condition.
We all know about an ECG, or electrocardiogram (EKG). This little device does the same thing as an ECG. The difference is, it's smaller than a deck of cards, and it's battery-powered, so you can keep it with you for weeks, maybe even months. The biggest advantage of this is that it can detect even rare, non-existent heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias).
What are the main types of these devices?
There are several main types of cardiac event monitors. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate type based on your symptoms and needs.
| Type of device | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Patch Recorder | This is like a plaster. It comes as a single unit and can be stuck to the chest. It is good for monitoring the heart's function continuously for about two weeks. |
| Symptom Event Monitor | In this, you need to keep the sensors attached to your skin. You need to turn the device on yourself when you experience symptoms (e.g., chest pain, feeling faint). |
| Loop Memory Monitor | This is the same as the previous one. The sensors are always on the body. You have to activate it when you have a symptom. But the special thing about this is that it can record the heart's activity not only when the symptom comes, but also a minute or two before and a minute or two after it ends. |
| Implanted Loop Recorders | This is different from the others. This is a device that is implanted under the skin after a minor surgery. This type is used if you need to monitor the heart for several years. |
When would a doctor recommend using this device?
Your doctor may recommend using a device like this if you have symptoms that occur infrequently , like once a week or once a month, because the symptoms may not be present when you go to see the doctor.
A device that can record your heart rhythm as soon as you have symptoms is a very valuable thing. Your doctor can look at those records and diagnose your exact condition.
The doctor uses the information obtained from this device in the following cases:
- If you experience fainting, chest pain, or dizziness .
- If you feel like your chest is beating too fast (palpitations).
- If you have previously had a heart attack or stroke .
- Make sure the heart is getting enough oxygen.
- Check if the medicine you have been given is working properly.
- Estimate how long you have had an abnormal heart rhythm.
- If you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) , check that it is working properly.
- If there is a risk of developing heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmia).
What exactly does this heart monitor detect?
The information obtained from this device can help the doctor find answers to many questions. For example:
- Is your heart rhythm steady or irregular?
- How strong are the heart's electrical signals?
- Do these electrical signals occur at the right time, in the right pattern?
- How fast does the heart beat?
By knowing these things exactly, your doctor will be able to accurately determine the cause of your symptoms.
How does this device work?
The way this works is very simple.
1. First, several sensors are attached to the skin of your chest.
2. These sensors capture your heart rhythm.
3. The information is then sent via wire (or wirelessly) to your heart monitor device.
4. The device records the information.
5. Next, you need to send that information to your doctor via phone or computer.
6. The doctor checks the data and sees if there is any abnormal rhythm.
7. If the doctor notices anything significant, he or she may call you to ask about your current symptoms or ask you to come in for a checkup.
What should you know during the test?
You can go about your normal activities with this device. Your doctor may ask you to do something like exercise and see how your heart works during that time.
The most important thing is to keep a diary. It's very helpful for the doctor to note down when you had symptoms, what you were doing at the time, and when you took your heart medication.
Here's something to keep in mind: This monitor is just collecting information. It doesn't protect you. That means no one is watching the information in real-time. The data may be analyzed days or weeks later. So, if you have a serious symptom, for example, severe chest pain, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately.
Things that may interfere with this device
Some electronic devices may interfere with the operation of this monitor. Therefore, it is best to stay away from or maintain a safe distance from the following items.
- Electric blankets, electric toothbrushes and razors
- Magnets
- Mobile phones
- MP3 player
- Microwave ovens
- Computer tablets
- Metal detectors
- High voltage locations
What are the results and what do they mean?
Once the doctor has received the required amount of data, you can return the device. If no major changes are seen in your heart rhythm, your results are considered normal.
However, if the results are abnormal, it means you may have an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), such as:
- `Heart block`
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) - types such as supraventricular or ventricular
- `Bradycardia` (slow heart rate)
- `Atrial fibrillation`
- `Atrial flutter`
If the results are abnormal, your doctor may decide to do more tests or start treatment right away. It can take a few days to a few weeks for the results to come back. Ask your doctor about this.
What is the difference between a Cardiac Event Monitor and a Holter Monitor?
Although both of these are devices that monitor heart function, there are slight differences in the situations in which they are used.
| Characteristic | Holter Monitor | Cardiac Event Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Time of use | Usually between 24 and 48 hours. | A long period of time, up to several weeks or a month. |
| When is it used? | When symptoms occur frequently (e.g. daily). | When symptoms occur infrequently (e.g. once a week, once a month). |
| How to report | It continuously records every heartbeat. | Only reports (by you or automatically) when a symptom occurs. |
Usually, a doctor will first order a Holter monitor. If that doesn't provide enough information, they will refer you to a Cardiac Event Monitor.
Is it serious to have to wear a heart monitor?
Yes, sometimes this can be a serious condition. A doctor might ask you to wear a device like this to find out exactly what is causing your symptoms, such as fainting and chest pain. Some heart rhythm abnormalities can be more dangerous than others. The doctor can only confirm what type it is after looking at the results from this device.
Wearing this may feel a little uncomfortable and inconvenient. However, it is very important to find the exact cause of your symptoms, start the necessary treatment for it, and achieve long-term recovery. Spend this time patiently thinking , "This is what the doctor needs to know to treat me."
Take-Home Message
- A Cardiac Event Monitor is a safe, painless test that collects information about your heart rhythm.
- This is very important for identifying heart rhythm abnormalities that cause rare symptoms.
- Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Ask them if you have any questions about how to use the device.
- It is very helpful to keep a diary of what you were doing when symptoms occurred.
- This device only reports information, it does not protect you. In the event of an emergency, such as severe chest pain, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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