What are the problems associated with an irregular heartbeat?

Irregular heartbeats can either be too fast, too slow or intermittent. Medication and/or cardiac implants, such as defibrillator for fast heartbeats or a pacemaker for slow or intermittent heartbeats, can help correct the problem.

How are irregular heartbeats diagnosed?

One of the newest methods available at Danville Regional is a 2" long implantable monitor called Reveal monitor by Medtronic. This monitor can record a patient's heartbeat 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is constantly alert to record one of 13 pre-programmed cardiac events. It can also be triggered by the patient if he feels faint or dizzy.

What are the advantages of a Reveal monitor?

Diagnosis of an irregular heartbeat can be very difficult, because the episodes come and go quickly. A Holter® monitor, an external device connected by wires attached to the chest, is only worn for a day or two, during which time the patient may not experience any problems. The constant decoding, however, increases the likelihood an event will be detected.

How is the monitor implanted?

The wireless monitor is implanted under local anesthesia in the pectoral muscle of the chest wall. It is an outpatient procedure and usually is done in the hospital to reduce risk of infection.

How does the doctor retrieve the monitor's information?

A physician downloads the recorded data using a special radio receiver during a patient's quarterly visit, or sooner if the patient experiences an episode. This data allows the physician to select the best method of treatment.