Cardiac monitoring

Cardiac Monitoring is a medical practice that involves the continuous observation of the heart's activity. This is typically achieved through the use of various types of electrocardiography (ECG) devices, which record the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time.

Overview

Cardiac monitoring is a critical aspect of cardiology, the branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart. It is used to detect irregularities in the heart's rhythm, known as arrhythmias, as well as other cardiac conditions. The data collected from cardiac monitoring can be used to diagnose heart conditions, monitor the effectiveness of treatments, and guide decisions about further treatment.

Types of Cardiac Monitoring

There are several types of cardiac monitoring, each with its own advantages and limitations.

Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor is a portable device that records the heart's activity continuously for 24 to 48 hours. This type of monitoring is useful for detecting arrhythmias that occur sporadically throughout the day.

Event Monitor

An event monitor is a device that is worn for a longer period of time, typically a few weeks. It only records the heart's activity when the wearer manually activates it, usually in response to symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness.

Implantable Loop Recorder

An implantable loop recorder is a small device that is implanted under the skin near the heart. It can record the heart's activity for up to three years, making it useful for diagnosing infrequent arrhythmias.

Interpretation of Results

The results of cardiac monitoring are interpreted by a cardiologist, who looks for patterns that may indicate a heart condition. This can include irregular heart rhythms, periods of rapid or slow heart rate, and signs of ischemia, a condition in which the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen.

See Also

• Electrocardiography
• Cardiology
• Arrhythmia
• Ischemia