Remote monitoring keeps heart patients safe and connected
Dr V P Sharma, Chief Cardiologist at Shrimann Hospital, Jalandhar, discusses the various therapies involved in heart failure, including the use of remote monitoring for patients through Bluetooth technology. He explains how this innovative approach can enable timely intervention, ultimately helping to save lives.
What is heart failure?
Heart failure is a condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump blood as efficiently as it should. This leads to inadequate blood flow to vital organs, such as the kidneys, and may also cause congestion in the lungs. The term “heart failure” is somewhat misleading. The heart does not completely fail or stop beating. It may only experience mild problems, with minor symptoms that are evident only during physical activity. In some cases, it can be severe, causing symptoms at rest, and may even become life-threatening.
What are the symptoms of heart failure? The most common symptom of heart failure is shortness of breath, which may require the patient to reduce normal activities or sleep with multiple pillows to elevate the head. The patient may experience fatigue and tiredness more quickly. There could also be weakness, especially in the legs during exercise. Other symptoms include light-headedness or dizziness, rapid heart rate (even while resting), swelling in the lower legs and feet (oedema) or in the abdomen and unintentional weight loss (in severe cases of heart failure).
How does a cardiologist diagnose heart failure? Heart failure is diagnosed based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and a series of tests. These tests help the doctor assess how well the heart is functioning. These include an Electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, chest X-ray and Echocardiogram.
What are the treatments for heart failure? Treatment usually includes a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes a device to protect the heart from abnormal rhythms. Common recommendations include reducing salt and water intake, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and regular exercise. Another potential issue in people with heart failure is abnormal electrical conduction in the heart, which can cause the walls of the left ventricle to contract out of sync, making the heart work less efficiently. A special type of pacemaker, called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or biventricular pacing, can treat this issue.
What is the latest technological aid available for this condition?
Nowadays, CRTs with bluetooth and remote monitoring capabilities are available. Remote monitoring is important for patients with CRT and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) devices. Newer devices use Bluetooth technology to transmit data via a smartphone. Remote heart monitors collect vital information from the patient’s heart device and send it to a secure server, allowing clinics to review it on a secure website. Through Bluetooth technology, remote monitoring can quickly send information about abnormal heart rhythms and device issues, enabling faster intervention and potentially reducing hospitalizations and emergency visits.
