Mobile phone rhythm monitoring system a useful detection tool

DENVER — Prolonged and real-time rhythm monitoring using a mobile phone system was a useful diagnostic tool to detect arrhythmic episodes, according to results of an investigational study presented at the Heart Rhythm Society’s Annual Scientific Sessions.

From January to November 2012, researchers screened 100 patients (mean age, 49 years; 55% men) for 1 month using the HeartCall mobile phone rhythm monitoring system. Previous 24-hour Holter monitoring failed to detect any arrhythmic episodes in 84 of the patients. All rhythm data recorded were transmitted via mobile phone to a central core laboratory in real time.

Prior to monitoring with the HeartCall device, assumptive diagnoses were atrial fibrillation (55%), supraventricular tachycardia (25%), premature beat (8%), bradycardia (6%) or other (5%).

Abnormal rhythms, except premature beats, were detected in 19 patients; 18 were AF and one was supraventricular tachycardia. Among 40 patients assumed to have AF, but undocumented, 12 were diagnosed with paroxysmal AF using the HeartCall device.

With this device, “the patient and doctor can see ECG data in real time,” Sung-Hwan Kim, MD, from St. Mary’s Hospital, Cardiology, Seoul, Korea, said during a session.

“For the patients who experienced difficulty for detection of arrhythmic episodes, especially paroxysmal ones, this prolonged rhythm monitoring system seemed to be more useful than the conventional Holter monitoring system,” Kim and colleagues concluded. – by Deb Dellapena

For more information:

Kim S. Abstract PO03-173. Presented at: Heart Rhythm Society’s Annual Scientific Sessions; May 8-11, 2013; Denver.

Disclosure: Kim reports no relevant financial disclosures.