Implantable heart monitor

An implantable heart monitor is a small device placed under the skin of your chest. It records the electrical signals from your heart. A monitor is used to look for irregular heartbeats. It can help your doctor find out what is causing your fainting, lightheadedness, or other symptoms. It also can help your doctor check to see if treatment for an irregular heartbeat is working.

The monitor may be placed near the middle of your chest. The monitor may be about the size of a paper clip.

These monitors are used if an irregular heart rhythm or your symptoms don't happen very often. They also help your doctor monitor your heart for a long time.

The monitor is put in during a short surgery. You will get medicine to numb the area of your chest where the monitor will be put in. You will be awake during the surgery, but you shouldn't feel any pain.

Your doctor will make a small cut and place the monitor under your skin. Then he or she will close the cut with special tape or glue or with stitches that will dissolve. Then the doctor will place a bandage over the cut.

The procedure will take about half an hour. You probably will be able to go home soon after it's done.

You may have some minor pain where the cut was made. You will get instructions from your doctor on how to care for it at home.

When your doctor says it's safe, you should be able to get back to your normal activities.