Ways To Monitor Your Heart Health

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Event Monitoring

Event monitoring is a method that records the heart’s electrical activity when symptoms occur. These devices capture data only at specific moments, providing targeted information related to symptomatic episodes. Monitoring with cardiology devices allows providers to see abnormal symptoms as they occur.

How Event Monitoring Works

An event monitor is a portable device that a person can activate to record the heart’s rhythm during a symptomatic event, such as dizziness or palpitations. Some devices can also be programmed to automatically record abnormal heart rhythms. The individual typically wears the device for a period ranging from several days to a few weeks. The recorded data is later transmitted to a healthcare provider for review.

When It Is Used

This type of monitoring is often utilized when symptoms are infrequent and may not be captured during a shorter, continuous recording period. It is suitable for situations that need to be correlated with the heart’s electrical activity. The goal is to capture data during a typical episode to assist a physician’s evaluation.

Holter Monitoring

Holter monitoring involves the continuous recording of every heartbeat over a set period, typically 24 to 48 hours. A small, portable device is connected to electrodes placed on the chest. The device records the heart’s electrical signals, which are then stored on a memory card for later analysis. Individuals may be asked to keep a diary of their activities and any symptoms they experience while wearing the monitor. Some benefits of this method include:

Capturing continuous rhythm data over the entire monitoring period.
Providing a full picture of the heart’s electrical activity during daily routines.
Allowing for correlation between symptoms noted in a diary and recorded heart rhythms.
Detecting rhythm irregularities that may not produce noticeable symptoms.

Telemetry Monitoring

Telemetry monitoring is a method that allows for the real-time observation of a patient’s heart rhythm. This system continuously transmits electrical activity data from a portable transmitter worn by the patient to a central monitoring station. Telemetry stations are staffed by trained healthcare professionals who observe the data as it arrives.

This type of monitoring is most common in inpatient hospital settings, such as in coronary care units or on post-operative floors, where continuous surveillance is necessary. Certain specialized outpatient programs may also utilize telemetry to observe patients during specific activities. The system enables immediate response from medical staff if significant changes in heart activity are detected.

Learn More About Cardiology

Cardiology encompasses a broad range of diagnostic procedures and treatments aimed at managing the health of the heart and blood vessels. The monitoring techniques gather objective information about cardiac function. For individualized information or to learn more about your heart health, contact a cardiologist today.