Learning About Implantable Heart Monitors

What is an implantable heart monitor?

An implantable heart monitor is a small device placed under the skin of your chest. It records the electrical signals from your heart. A monitor is used to look for irregular heartbeats. It can help your doctor find out what is causing your fainting, lightheadedness, or other symptoms. It also can help your doctor check to see if treatment for an irregular heartbeat is working.

The monitor may be placed near the middle of your chest. The monitor may be about the size of a paper clip.

These monitors are used if an irregular heart rhythm or your symptoms don't happen very often. They also help your doctor monitor your heart for a long time.

How is the monitor put in place?

The monitor is put in during a short surgery. You will get medicine to numb the area of your chest where the monitor will be put in. You will be awake during the surgery, but you shouldn't feel any pain.

Your doctor will make a small cut and place the monitor under your skin. Then he or she will close the cut with special tape or glue or with stitches that will dissolve. Then the doctor will place a bandage over the cut.

The procedure will take about half an hour. You probably will be able to go home soon after it's done.

You may have some minor pain where the cut was made. You will get instructions from your doctor on how to care for it at home.

When your doctor says it's safe, you should be able to get back to your normal activities.

How is the monitor used?

Your monitor may start recording on its own when it detects an abnormal heartbeat. Or you might use a handheld device to start the monitor when you have symptoms. Your doctor will explain which type of monitor you have and what you need to do.

Your doctor will tell you how often he or she will need to check your monitor. The information from your monitor may be sent to your doctor automatically. Or you may have to do something to send it. It may be sent over a phone line or online. You will get instructions from your doctor. Your information will stay private and secure. You will also have checkups in person.

You may need to keep a symptom diary while you have the monitor. This means that you will write down the times you have symptoms and what you were doing when they started. Your doctor will let you know how to do this. He or she can then look at your heart monitor records to see if your heart rhythms changed when you had symptoms.

After your doctor gets the information he or she needs, the monitor will be removed from your chest.

What else should you know about living with a heart monitor?

You will get a medical ID card with information about your heart monitor. Keep it with you at all times. Tell all of your doctors that you have this monitor.

Some electric devices have a strong electromagnetic field. This field can keep the heart monitor from working right for a short time. Many electric devices do not affect how the monitor works. You can use them safely. Examples include most office equipment and kitchen appliances. Try to keep things that are powered by electricity or batteries, such as a power tool or a cell phone, at least 6 inches away from the monitor. Tell your doctor if you work near strong electromagnetic sources such as certain welding tools.

Your doctor or the maker of your heart monitor can give you a full list of things to avoid.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the cut.
  • Red streaks leading from the cut.
  • Pus draining from the cut.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You have any problems with your heart monitor.