The mini heart rate monitor works with the patient via the APP

The heart rate monitor is especially suitable for people who faint regularly for an unknown reason, suffer from heart palpitations or to monitor heart rhythm disturbances. “Because they only happen occasionally, it is difficult to capture them in other ways, such as by imaging the heart (heart film) or a Holter diary that records a maximum of one week,” says specialist nurse Jan Elders. In place for 4.5 years, a defect is always recorded, even if it occurs rarely. The method is also suitable for people who have been treated for arrhythmias, to check whether the treatment has been successful.”

Sick in the driver’s seat

Another major feature is the link to complaints that the wearer enters via the app. With previous types of monitors, data on heart rhythm was also sent to the hospital pacemaker outpatient clinic, but there was no insight into the relationship to complaints, such as palpitations or dizziness. “The patient now enters this information on his phone, along with information about what he was doing. If he thought ‘I want to check this,’ he can send the data to CWZ,” Elders says. “Thanks to this kit, we have more information than just medical data from a monitor. This helps make the diagnosis. Moreover, the patient now has a much greater influence and can do something on their own. They are in the ‘driver’s seat.’”

piece of cake

Screen mode is a piece of cake. The operation is done on an outpatient basis. The heart rate monitor has a special blade that makes an incision in the skin at the level of the heart with a distance of less than one centimeter. Thanks to this special blade, the cut will not be too large or too deep. The screen is pushed into the appropriate place under the skin through this incision. Where previously monitoring lasted only three years, the patient is now ready for 4.5 years. He can go home immediately after the operation.

digital assets

“The implants of these smart displays fit into CWZ’s vision of increasingly using digital means to provide remote care. Moreover, patients now have more control: they themselves can influence the diagnosis and treatment process by using them to create the app,” says Erwin Zegers, cardiologist.

By: National Care Guide
Photo: CWZ Nijmegen