Heart monitors, also known as cardiac monitors, are utilized in emergency rooms and doctor offices. They measure cardiac electrical and physical functions. The heart works by electrical impulses. These impulses can be measured and compared to normal guidelines and used to determine abnormalities of cardiac rhythm and strength. The impulses are measured in various waves along with heart rate and other important information.
Functions
Heart monitors aid in diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions. According to the Encyclopedia of Surgery, the heart monitor constantly displays cardiac electrocardiogram, or ECG, information. Other monitoring components enable cardiovascular pressures and heart output to be monitored allowing for patient diagnosis and treatment. Oxygen blood saturation is also monitored to ensure proper blood oxygen levels.
Features
Connected to your body with electrodes, a heart monitor senses the impulse through your body that causes your heart to beat. The electrodes are attached to different areas of your body -- usually the chest, stomach and legs. Information is recorded on an electrocardiogram tracing in a wave pattern. Most monitors in emergency rooms also have blood pressure and oxygen saturation monitors. They are equipped with warning signals to alert medical staff of variations in readings.
Significance
Heart monitors are beneficial in diagnosis of heart disease. According to MayoClinic.com, the waves, printed on paper, are analyzed to ascertain if there is injury to the heart. Injured heart muscle doesn't conduct impulses like normal uninjured tissue so the ECG can indicate a heart attack has happened or is in progress. In addition, a heart monitor allows close surveillance of emergency patients while in the hospital.
Benefits
The use of heart monitors reduces the risk of fatal heart attacks. Heart monitors are also utilized as portable units in certain situations. They are attached to your body and the readings taken over a prescribed period of time are recorded. Worn during normal daily activity, portable monitors can detect subtle changes in heart functions that are undetectable during office visits. The benefit of the portable unit is to provide more information to the doctor than he is able to collect in a short office visit.
Warnings
Although heart monitors are efficient in diagnosing heart problems, seek medical attention if you experience chest pains, shortness of breath, pain in the shoulder, severe sweating or nausea and vomiting even after you have been evaluated on a heart monitor.
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