Taking a look at the latest trends in heart rhythm monitoring
Bulky external devices with many wires that record a person’s heart rhythm for several days or longer are being replaced by small patches and implanted devices. The patches, which resemble large Band-Aids, are placed on the chest and can record heart activity up to 30 days. Their main role is for people with frequent palpitations. The internal devices, called implantable loop recorders, are inserted under the skin to the left of the breastbone and work for about three years. They are mainly used to help diagnose people with unexplained fainting or strokes. Some of these new devices can transmit data wirelessly in real time to a doctor.
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