If you’re having irregular heart rhythms, you may have a type of arrhythmia. At Heart of Dixie Cardiology, we work with patients with arrhythmia to determine the cause of the irregular heart rhythms by using arrhythmia monitoring. With this testing, we can help you identify the type of arrhythmia and the cause.
Heart rhythm monitoring is taking a look at your heart’s rhythm and evaluating it for any abnormalities. There are various methods that we can use to evaluate your heart rhythm, with the chosen method depending on your individual scenario.
An EKG gives a current snapshot of your heart rhythm and involves the placement of 10 patches on your torso, and sometimes on your arms and legs as well.
A Holter monitor is a small device that is worn underneath your clothing and depending on the type of Holter monitor, is attached to your chest with either a sticky strip or with a few cardiac leads. It monitors and records your heart rhythm for anywhere from 24 hours to 2 weeks. The monitor is worn as continuously as possible during the monitoring period and you will perform your usual activities while wearing the monitor. Most monitors are waterproof to allow for regular bathing during the monitoring period.
An event monitor is a small device that is worn underneath your clothing and is attached to your chest with a sticky strip. It monitors and records your heart rhythm for up to 30 days. The monitor is worn as continuously as possible during the monitoring period and you will perform your usual activities while wearing the monitor. Most monitors are waterproof to allow for regular bathing during the monitoring period.
A loop recorder is a small device that gets implanted just beneath the skin on the left side of the chest. This is done in the office under local anesthesia. Depending on the manufacturer, the battery of an ILR lasts anywhere from two to five years, which allows for long term heart rhythm monitoring. With an ILR you are monitored remotely so we can evaluate your rhythm on a regular basis.
Heart rhythm monitoring is done for many reasons, sometimes on a routine basis and sometimes for reasons such as palpitations, arrhythmias, syncope, and stroke of unknown etiology. The type of heart rhythm monitoring recommended depends on your situation and how long we anticipate needing to monitor to capture an abnormality. It is extremely important to determine the type of abnormal heart rhythm, as some types of heart arrhythmias can be dangerous, leading to strokes, heart failure, syncope, or even death.
EKGs are often done on a routine basis at your primary care provider’s office, prior to certain procedures, or may be done routinely if you are on certain medications that require heart monitoring. EKGs are also useful if you are having symptoms at the present moment as they give a snapshot of your current rhythm.
There are times your provider may need more than a glimpse of the rhythm that is found on an EKG. A Holter or Event Monitor is often used when symptoms are intermittent or arrhythmias are suspected and extended monitoring is needed.
An implantable loop recorder (ILR) may be recommended for long term heart rhythm monitoring. Because of the ability to monitor the heart rhythm over several years, an ILR increases the likelihood of diagnosing the cause of your symptoms.
Heart rhythm monitoring helps determine any changes to your heart rhythm and find the most appropriate treatments. Heart rhythm monitors evaluate the electrical conduction of the heart which, in turn, drives the muscle pumping of the heart. Several heart rhythm problems can develop, and each may require specialized treatment. Some heart rhythm problems are dangerous, while others are benign and do not require treatment. It can be difficult to know the difference based on the symptoms you experience, which is why they should always be evaluated by a cardiologist.
During heart rhythm monitoring, you may be asked to wear an external monitor, such as a Holter or event monitor, or have an implantable loop recorder implanted under the skin performed in the office.
When wearing an external monitor, you will have electrodes or an electrode strip placed on your chest and connected to the monitor. You will wear the device for as little as 24 hours or up to 30 days. Many of the monitors we use are waterproof, allowing for regular bathing. You should wear the monitors as much as possible during the time allotted, including at night while sleeping. After the allotted time, you will return the monitor to be downloaded and interpreted by one of our cardiologists.
The loop recorder is simply implanted here in the office. It is done under a sterile environment and only requires a very small amount of local anesthetic (numbing). It takes only a few minutes to implant and is very safe and effective. You will be able to drive yourself to and from your appointment. The very small incision heals in about 10–14 days. This monitor is usually connected to a remote monitoring system that will transmit the monitoring so we can evaluate your heart rhythms. Depending on the brand of loop recorder, it may last 2–5 years. This will also require periodic visits to the office to check the device.
Heart rhythm monitoring can diagnose many different heart arrhythmias, including both slow arrhythmias and fast arrhythmias. Some arrhythmias are benign and require no further evaluation, while others are more dangerous and may require more urgent attention. The type of arrhythmia found during monitoring determines the next steps in terms of any additional workup, risk factor modification, and treatment. Depending on the type of monitoring, we will typically bring you into the office to discuss your results and then develop a plan together.
Atrial fibrillation (AF)
Atrial flutter
Atrial tachycardia (AT)
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
Premature atrial contractions
Premature ventricular contractions (PVC)
Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
Ventricular fibrillation
Heart block
Bradycardia
The type of arrhythmia determines the next best treatment options. Some of these arrhythmias are dangerous and require immediate attention, while others are benign and require no treatment. Our cardiologists can help you with diagnosing and treating any of these arrhythmias.
If you’re showing signs of irregular heart rhythms, be sure to schedule an appointment with us at Heart of Dixie Cardiology to discuss if you need arrhythmia monitoring. With this testing, we’ll be able to determine the type of arrhythmia you have and the cause, which will help us create a personalized treatment plan for you. We have locations in St. George, UT; Mesquite, NV; Cedar City, UT; and Kanab, UT; so call us at your nearest location today to schedule an appointment.
If you’re showing signs of irregular heart rhythms, be sure to schedule an appointment with us at Heart of Dixie Cardiology to discuss if you need arrhythmia monitoring. With this testing, we’ll be able to determine the type of arrhythmia you have and the cause, which will help us create a personalized treatment plan for you. We have locations in St. George, UT; Mesquite, NV; Cedar City, UT; and Kanab, UT; so call us at your nearest location today to schedule an appointment.
Heart of Dixie Cardiology is a specialty subset of the Revere Health group. We have over a dozen cardiology providers throughout our locations to give you the specialized heart care that you deserve.
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