Tech That Keeps Your Heart & Doctor Always Connected

Irregularities in the heart’s rhythm is known as Arrhythmia; a disorder that is caused due to the irregular beating of the heart. Often it happens in ‘episodes’, is very subtle in its presentation with symptoms that are fairly generic, thus making diagnosis extremely tricky.  A visit to the doctor post-episode might not reveal much and an untimely a repeat episode could pose a great risk. Fortunately, advancements in health technology have made timely diagnosis, effective treatment and management of this disorder, a possibility.

All about Arrhythmia - Types, Causes & Symptoms

When the heart beats too slowly it is called bradycardia and when it beats too fast, it is called tachycardia. More than 100 beats per minute characterise tachycardia, and less than 60 beats per minute characterise bradycardia.

 Deviations from the normal range can be caused by changes in the heart tissue, exertion, stress, imbalances in the blood such as an excess of thyroid hormone, dehydration, low blood sugar, or certain medicines, amongst other things

 Changes in the heart tissues can also affect its normal rhythm and the reason for these changes is usually an underlying disease, injury, or genetics.

Sometimes, heart arrhythmia symptoms are silent. But, the most likely arrhythmia symptoms are

1. Palpitations, or flip-flops, a feeling of the heart running fast
2. Pounding feeling in the chest
3. Dizziness or light-headedness
4. Fainting
5. Fogginess
6. Excessive sweating
7. Weakness or fatigue

Arrhythmia is diagnosed mainly via an ECG test, where your doctor will closely monitor how fast your heart is beating, and whether it is steady or irregular. However, there are instances where intermittent arrhythmias may be difficult to diagnose, let alone get treated. 

Remote-Monitoring to detect and treat Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia, if left undiagnosed, can lead to severe complications for the patients, which can turn fatal. The good news is that we now have technologies and treatments that are robust tools for patients and doctors.

One such technology is the smartphone-compatible, insertable cardiac monitor. This technology helps doctors detect/identify even the most complex cardiac arrhythmias, remotely. The bluetooth-enabled medical device is implanted into the patient's chest through a minimally invasive procedure. The device is no larger than two paper clips and transfers real time information onto the associated application. The patient as well as the doctor both have access to this application where all the data is stored.

How does this device help? It helps diagnose infrequent and potentially severe cardiac arrhythmias and puts the patient on a proper arrhythmia treatment and medical intervention when required.

Get back to your life.

Better doctor-patient interaction is now becoming a reality with technologies such as the insertable cardiac monitor. Technologies enabling such access and connection bring a sense of relief for patients; knowing that their doctor is able to constantly monitor and access their medical data, even in the absence of in-person visits. Often the fear and the worry of the unknown, along with the weight of an illness, can cause stress and anxiety. The evolution in technology and treatment have ensured that you can be confident and secure when it comes to your medical management and enjoy peace of mind to reclaim the little moments that fill up a healthy life.  

Disclaimer: This publication/article/editorial is meant for awareness/educational purposes and does not constitute or imply an endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation of any products. Please consult your doctor/healthcare practitioner before starting any diet, medication or exercise.