July 30, 2018
For patients diagnosed with arrhythmia, particularly those who have received cardiac rhythm management devices, monitoring the condition of their heart becomes a critical component of healthcare. Cardiologists need to ensure that these devices are functioning properly and that heart rhythm is properly controlled, and this is precisely where remote monitoring becomes a distinct advantage.
Remote cardiac monitoring, or remote heart monitoring, is a method by which information from a patient’s implantable rhythm management device can be communicated directly to a physician’s office. This allows the doctor and their team to review a patient’s heart activity and device performance without the patient needing to be physically present.
Because implantable cardiac devices like pacemakers are essentially small computers, they are able to gather and share vital information. This is accomplished when the device syncs with a transmitter and shares the data it has collected. The transmitter can then send that information with the physician through a secure portal accessible only by the patient’s medical care team.
Unsurprisingly, the ability to continuously keep tabs on a patient’s cardiac health and functioning of their rhythm management device has proven to be beneficial in a number of ways. Fewer in-person visits are required, saving patients time and expense that may be associated with doctor appointments. Furthermore, research has revealed significant benefits associated with overall quality of care. Some of the most impressive findings include:
In addition to these findings, significant cost savings have also been associated with remote cardiac monitoring. Patients with these devices tend to require fewer follow-up visits, have fewer hospital admissions and typically have shorter stays when they are admitted. Overall, pacemaker patients with remote monitoring devices have been found to spend an average of 9% less, while patients with other implantable devices save as much as 17% over others.
Cardiovascular Institute of the South recognizes the incredible benefits that remote monitoring can bring for our patients. Currently, our Virtual Care Center includes technology that allows for remote cardiac monitoring for our patients who have received compatible pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and implantable loop recorders.
If you are suffering from arrhythmia, contact any of our CIS locations to request an appointment. Our team can expertly monitor your condition and make the most appropriate treatment recommendations. Should your condition require and implantable device, rest assured that our remote monitoring system is available to bring you the best possible quality of life in a safe and cost effective manner.