Cardiotelemetry

Cardiotelemetry refers to the remote monitoring of a patient's cardiac rhythm. It involves using a wearable device, often a patch or a small unit clipped to clothing, that continuously records and transmits electrocardiogram (ECG) data to a monitoring center. This technology allows healthcare professionals to observe a patient's heart activity in real-time or near real-time, even when the patient is outside of a clinical setting.

The primary purpose of cardiotelemetry is to detect and document cardiac arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms. These can include conditions like atrial fibrillation, bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (fast heart rate), and other potentially serious events. By providing continuous data, cardiotelemetry can identify intermittent arrhythmias that might be missed during a standard, short-term ECG performed in a doctor's office.

Patients who might benefit from cardiotelemetry include those experiencing unexplained syncope (fainting), palpitations, dizziness, or those at high risk for cardiac events. It is also used post-cardiac procedures to monitor for complications. The transmitted data is analyzed by trained technicians or directly by physicians, who can then intervene if necessary by adjusting medication or recommending further diagnostic tests or treatments. This remote monitoring capability enhances patient safety and can lead to earlier diagnosis and management of cardiovascular conditions.