Cardiac rhythm monitoring device

Abstract

The present invention is a cardiac rhythm-monitoring device, which allows patients to perform a preliminary screening for supraventricular arrhythmia. The device detects beat-to-beat heart rhythms (i.e. the R-R interval between individual heart beats) and performs a screening test to determine if there are indications of arrhythmia. The test looks for variance in the R-R interval that is outside of the normal range, either using a pre-constructed chart based upon general population studies to determine the normal range of variance or using normal distribution analysis of the patient's own heart rhythm to determine the normal range of variance for determining irregular heartbeats, and if there are multiple irregularities within the sensed time frame, the patient is warned of potential supraventricular arrhythmia. By sensing both electrical impulses form the heart and mechanical responses to the heartbeat, the device may augment its analysis.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 156978, filed on May 29, 2002.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Supraventricular arrhythmia is a particular type of electrical disturbance of the rhythm of the heart. It is an arrhythmia originating in the upper chambers of the heart, which can lead to an irregular, abnormal heartbeat. Supraventricular arrhythmia is a fairly common occurrence, and as people get older, their chance of experiencing supraventricular arrhythmia will typically increase. Supraventricular arrhythmia itself is not an immediately life-threatening condition. Current research, however, has revealed that supraventricular arrhythmia predisposes a patient to such life threatening conditions as stroke, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure. Consequently, it is important for doctors to be able to detect supraventricular arrhythmia as early as possible, since the earlier that supraventricular arrhythmia is diagnosed and treated, the greater...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring Device (“CRMD”) is a simple, user-friendly medical device designed to be operated by a patient, without the need for extensive training. It monitors the patient's heart rhythm and determines if a patient is likely experiencing supraventricular arrhythmia. The CRMD may be used periodically, for regular checks of a patient's heart rhythm, or it may be used in a continuous, uninterrupted manner, for constant monitoring of a patient's heart rhythms. When used by a patient under the guidance and supervision of medical professionals, the CRMD can aid in the detection of intermittent supraventricular arrhythmia, can assist in determining the duration of the arrhythmia, and can assist in customizing the appropriate dosage of medication to fit the patient's specific needs.

Problems solved by technology

Arrhythmia is more dangerous if it lasts more than 24 hours, since prolonged arrhythmia encourages blood clotting which could, in turn, lead to stroke or other complications.

Unfortunately, these medications may have fairly dangerous side effects themselves, which could become life-threatening.

For example, patients on blood-thinning medications are at an increased risk of bleeding.

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