Rhythm Care Center The Rhythm Care Center provides a variety of cardiac monitoring including holter monitoring, ambulatory event monitoring and both transtelephonic and in-clinic pacemaker follow-up A holter monitor is used to record a continuous 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG). It is typically used when symptoms such as palpitations or lightheadedness occur frequently. The monitor, slightly larger than a transistor radio, is attached to the skin with adhesive electrodes and records an ECG on a cassette tape for a period of 24 hours. All daily activities can be continued except for swimming or bathing, as the electrodes and monitor must be kept dry. Additionally, a diary is kept by the patient listing activities and symptoms experienced during the 24 hour period. The ECG and diary are closely examined for a correlation between heart rhythm and symptoms. An ambulatory event monitor provides the ability to monitor patients over longer periods of time, typically 30 days. Event monitors are used when a patient's symptoms do not occur every day. When a symptom occurs, the patient activates an electrocardiogram (ECG) recording, then transmits the ECG over the telephone to the Rhythm Care Center where a physician interprets it. Two types of event monitors are available. The other monitor is the size of a pager, is attached to the skin with adhesive electrodes, and is worn at all times except while bathing or swimming. The physician determines which monitor will be used. Transtelephonic pacemaker follow-up provides the pacemaker patient with the ability to monitor the pacemaker's functions conveniently from their home. It also provides a means of monitoring the pacemaker battery so that the physician knows when the pacemaker needs to be replaced due to battery depletion. The Rhythm Care Center supplies the patient with a necessary transmitter that includes wristbands and a magnet. When instructed, the patient puts the wristbands on, places their telephone handset in the transmitter cradle, and sends an electocardiogram (ECG) to the Rhythm Care Center. If the patient does not have an implanted defibrillator (ICD), a magnet test is performed by holding the magnet over the pacemaker site while transmitting an ECG. This monitoring, performed regularly, can be completed in less than 15 minutes In-clinic pacemaker evaluation, performed in the Rhythm Care Center, provides a detailed evaluation of pacemaker function. A programmer is used to communicate with the pacemaker, to test its functions, and to change the pacemaker program if necessary. The patient sits or lies comfortably and is monitored with a continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) during the evaluation. A programming head, held over the pacemaker site, is used to communicate with the pacemaker and to reprogram it if necessary. This evaluation is usually completed in 30 minutes or less, and provides an excellent opportunity for patient teaching and support. Read this important notice about information contained in this site. Cardiology Consultants, Ltd. 340 W. Lincoln Street Suite 400 Belleville, Illinois 62220 618.233.6044 618.355-4535 Fax administration@cardiologyconsult.net Copyright © 2000 Cardiology Consultants, Ltd.