Medical Device?

Is there a medical device that can monitor the blood pressure for 24 hours and that can be worn just like an "holter monitor"?    

What is an implantable holter monitor? when is it appropriate to use it? Are there any side effect from it?

Regards,
italia64

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Italia64,

Thanks for your questions.

An "ambulatory blood pressure monitor" is similiar to a holter and can be worn for extended periods of time.  While they are a little annoying, they are painless.

To learn about implantable recorders, check out the www.medtronic.com site.  Focus on the Reveal monitor.  They are appropriate to use in patients who have infrequent episodes of palpitations or passing out, particularly when the symptoms are severe.  Persons need to ususally have undergone holter and event recorder monitoring without luck prior to placing these.  There are no side effects other than the discomfort associated with placement under the skin.  The placement requires local anesthesia and a mild sedative -- it is an outpatient procedure.

Hope that helps.