Monitoring

For patients having more infrequent symptoms—or experience them at night or when inaccessible to a doctor-- a cardiac event monitor can be used. These can be worn for one week up to one month. There are two major types of these monitors:

• Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry™ (MCOT™)
• Patch/Wireless

MCOT monitors are similar to Holter monitors described above in that they require electrodes and a recording device attached to a belt or worn around the neck. The difference is that MCOT monitors give heartbeat-by-heartbeat, EKG monitoring, analysis and response, while the patient is at home or away in real time. This monitor is ideal for patients who experience highly symptomatic arrhythmias, palpitations or low/ high heart rates. If the monitor senses major irregularity, it automatically sends a tracing report and an analyst calls to update the doctor’s office. 

The patch monitor is a thin, sticker-like wireless recording device that is applied by a technician to the upper right chest. It typically is worn for 1 to 2 weeks and sent back for analysis. This device is best for patients whom are mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic and do not need urgent attention. In addition, some patients find this device much easier to use since it does not require changing electrode pads, charging a battery or wearing wires under/over clothing.