The cardiovascular system plays a crucial role in a person’s well-being. When problems develop in the cardiovascular system, a person can be at risk of several serious complications. For instance, a cardiac event, such as a heart attack, can lead to premature death. However, some patients are able to benefit from wearing a cardiac event monitor.
These portable devices are helpful in the diagnosis of various heart diseases. They can also help to ensure patients get the appropriate treatment for their condition.
In this post, we take a look at what a cardiac event monitor is. We consider who should wear these devices and offer some pointers on choosing the right one.
What Is a Cardiac Event Monitor?
A cardiac event monitor is a term used to describe a number of devices and strategies used among patients suspected of heart disease.
Many patients will use a device called a Holter monitor. These are electronic systems that come in various forms. Some of them are worn around the neck. Meanwhile, others come in the simplest and comfortable form of a patch. These monitors have multiple leads and electrodes attached to it. These electrodes are placed on the patient’s skin.
This allows the device to continuously monitor the patient’s heart.
Changes in the heart’s electrical pulses can be recorded by the device. A full report can then be extracted from the device.
The data provided in this report can be used by a healthcare professional to assist in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases.
Several advancements in the technology used with these devices have been made in recent years. This allows for more accurate monitoring of the patient’s cardiovascular system. One research paper reports that these advancements are useful in the management of cardiovascular diseases. In particular, the data provided by the technology helps with the diagnosis of cardiac rhythm diseases.
Additionally to a Holter monitor, other options exist too. In some cases, patients are provided a device that helps them record specific events. This may include events where the patient notices arrhythmia symptoms. The data is then sent to a doctor for processing — which helps the healthcare provider determine if there is cause for concern.
Who Should Wear a Cardiac Event Monitor?
There are different uses for a cardiac event monitor. In the majority of cases, these devices are provided to a patient when they are suspected of having a certain heart disease. A doctor usually asks a patient to wear a device, such as a Holter monitor, when the patient shows signs of a cardiac rhythm disease.
One of the primary goals is to help with the early diagnosis of conditions like atrial fibrillation.
When patients are diagnosed with these conditions at an early stage, the outcome of the treatment provided will usually be better.
In cases where a patient fails to obtain the appropriate diagnosis, serious complications can develop.
A patient with atrial fibrillation, for example, has a greater risk of a stroke.
In fact, untreated, the condition can also lead to heart failure, as well as the development of blood clots.
It is estimated that more than 33.5 million people throughout the world have atrial fibrillation, also called AFib.
Additionally, there are other conditions that lead to arrhythmias as well. Doctors can use these monitors to help rule out.
Choosing a Cardiac Event Monitor
Different types of monitors can be used to detect arrhythmias and other cardiac events in patients. Each type provides specific features that help with the diagnosis and treatment process for cardiovascular conditions. Patients should understand the differences between different types of cardiac event monitors.
A few studies have been done to determine which of these tools may yield the most effective results. In one study, researchers compared a Holter monitor to a trans-telephonic event monitor system. The study had 310 patients included. Patients were divided into random groups. One group uses a Holter monitor. The other group used an event recorder. The patients were asked to comply with the provided instructions for a period of seven days.
The study revealed that a trans-telephonic event monitor could potentially yield more effective results when compared to a Holter monitor.
Diagnosis rates among the group who used an event monitor were stated as being faster and more accurate.
This study focused on heart palpitations but may also apply to other types of cardiac events that can be monitored with these devices.
The conclusion was that an event monitor strategy could yield effective results. It should, however, still be noted that this method may not offer the same level of accuracy when compared to a Holter monitor. Thus, a combination may also be used to help patients keep track of the electrical pulses in their hearts while also reporting on specific events.
Cardiac events can lead to serious and life-threatening complications, especially if early signs go unnoticed. Therefore, the use of a cardiac event monitor help patients and doctors work together to diagnose cardiovascular conditions. These devices are helpful in setting up a treatment plan. The efficacy of a treatment plan can also be monitored with the help of a cardiac event monitor.
Originally published at https://www.upolife.com
