What is cardiorespiratory monitoring?
It is a diagnostic method based on recording and analyzing the main indicators of the performance of cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Abnormal heart rhythm, the feeling of heart performance malfunction, unstable blood pressure, sleep disorders, sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep) are the main areas where this method is used.
The device records heart rate parameters, the flow of inhaled and exhaled air, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. Thus the test helps to identify not only the change of different parameters but also their interconnection.
This method helps to identify:
- Heart rate and cardiac conduction disorders.
- Painless myocardial ischemia (ischemic heart disease).
- The level of physical activity and exercise tolerance.
- Sleep apnea, its duration and type.
- Snoring and its connection with apnea.
- Hypoxia.
- Pickwickian syndrome (obesity and hypoventilation).
Cardiorespiratory monitoring at Kivach Clinic
The testing is done using a portable cardiorespiratory monitor called “Inkart”, which has a built-in tonometer for measuring blood pressure. This helps to make the test as comprehensive as possible.
Cardiorespiratory monitoring at Kivach Clinic in indicated in the following cases:
- Bradycardia (low heart rate).
- The feeling of disruptions, pauses in heart performance.
- Unstable blood pressure.
- Controlling cardiovascular therapy.
- Unexplained state of constant fatigue.
- Sleep disorders (frequent awakening, the feeling of weakness after waking up, sleepiness during the day, shortness of breath at night, frequent urination at night).
- Snoring.
- Excess weight.
As a rule, cardiorespiratory monitoring is prescribed by cardiologists, assisting physicians, ENT doctors, neurologists, endocrinologists.
What to expect during the test?
The test starts in the morning. A medical worker puts special sensors on the patient's body to monitor heart rate and conduction (ECG sensors), a body motion sensor, a blood oxygen sensor (is placed on the finger). A cuff is placed on the arm to monitor blood pressure. At night a respiratory sensor is placed onto the nasolabial triangle area. All sensors are connected to a compact device (150 g), which hangs over the shoulder and is hidden under the clothes. The device does not interfere with the usual daily routine. During the process, the patient keeps a diary of his/her physical activity and the changes in his/her state.
For the period of monitoring (which is usually 24 hours), one should abstain from showers, baths, saunas, and wrappings.
The monitoring ends with removing all the sensors and analyzing the obtained data, which takes approximately 1-2 days. Based on the results of the monitoring the patient receives a comprehensive medical conclusion and recommendations of an attending physician, or, if necessary, specialized doctors (ENT doctor, cardiologist, etc.).
Contraindications
Some mental disorders.
Question-answer
- Is the procedure safe?
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Yes, the procedure is absolutely safe.
- Is the procedure painful?
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The procedure is painless. There might be minor discomfort in the area where the cuff is located when blood pressure is being measured.
- How to prepare for the procedure?
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No special preparation is required. The intake of some drugs might affect the results of the monitoring, so please inform your doctor about any drugs that you take. There might be a need no cancel the intake of some drugs during the test.
It is also recommended to shave the hair in the chest area so that there are no problems with removing the sensors.
- Are complications possible?
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There might be a local irritation in the areas where sensors are attached to the skin, which disappears on its own.
- What ensures that the procedure is successful?
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- Qualified medical specialists with extensive practical experience.
- Advanced equipment.
- Compliance with the standards of medical care.