About Remote Monitoring
Patients with cardiac devices such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) or insertable cardiac monitors/implantable loop recorders (ICM/ILRs) have the option of remote monitoring. This allows your cardiology team to continue to monitor your device from home.
Depending on your device, the following parameters can be monitored remotely:
- Device lead function
- Battery life
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Signs of heart failure
Remote monitoring requires monitoring equipment that is given to you to take home and/or a smart phone application that can help send this information to a centralized computer server which can accessed by your cardiologist.
Depending on the type of device you have, remote monitoring can occur automatically based on alerts that are programmed in the device related to device function or clinical events.
For non-automatic devices, remote monitoring checks are initiated by the patient for concerns of symptoms or on a regular schedule (usually every 3 months). Your device only records your heart rhythm if programmed alert parameters are met or if you record a symptom.
What is an ILR Used for?
Implantable loop recorders can be used for detection of an abnormal rhythm. It can be used for monitoring in patients:
- With clinical syndromes or situations which increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
- Who experience infrequent symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, fainting, and chest pain that may suggest a cardiac arrhythmia.
What to Expect
Your cardiologist or electrophysiologist places the small device under your skin, on your chest wall, overlying the heart. They may be placed with local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the age of the child. Most patients go home a few hours after the procedure.
Once the small incision is completely healed (one to two weeks), the implanted monitor does not prevent you from participation in routine activities or sports, however, your cardiologists may restrict your activities based on your diagnosis. You should discuss activity participation with your cardiologist.
Talking To Your Doctor
By talking openly to your doctor, you will know what treatments are best for you. Your doctor can provide advice based upon your concerns, values and priorities; a process called shared decision-making. Even if you simply want to follow your doctor’s recommendations, it is important to have a conversation about what matters most to you.
