An implantable heart monitor is a small, paper-clip-sized device placed under the skin of your chest to record electrical signals over a long period.
Doctors use these devices when you have irregular rhythms or symptoms (like fainting) that don't happen often enough to be caught by a standard short-term monitor.
The Insertion Procedure
Getting the monitor is a quick, minor surgery that usually takes about 30 minutes.
- Anesthesia: You will be awake, but the chest area is numbed so you do not feel pain.
- Placement: The doctor makes a tiny cut to slide the device under the skin, then closes it with glue, tape, or dissolving stitches.
- Recovery: Most patients go home the same day and can return to normal activities as soon as the doctor says the wound is healed.
How It Works
Depending on the model, the device records in two ways:
- Automatically: It detects an abnormal rhythm on its own and starts recording.
- Manually: You use a handheld activator to start recording when you feel symptoms.
The Symptom Diary: You may be asked to keep a log of when you feel symptoms and what you were doing at the time. This helps your doctor match your feeling to the specific heart rhythm recorded by the device.
Note: Once the doctor has enough data to make a diagnosis, the device is removed.
Living with the Monitor
The "6-Inch Rule"
Most household appliances (microwaves, office equipment) are safe to use. However, items with strong electromagnetic fields can interfere with the monitor. Keep the following at least 6 inches away from your chest:
- Cell phones
- Power tools
- Magnets
Medical ID: You will receive an ID card for the device. Carry this with you and inform all healthcare providers that you have an implant.
When to Call Your Doctor
Watch the insertion site for signs of infection. Call immediately if you notice:
- Increased pain, swelling, or warmth.
- Redness or red streaks spreading from the cut.
- Pus or drainage.
- A fever.