and is inserted via a small incision so that it sits under the chest’s skin. The device then begins to record an individual’s heart rhythm and sends the data to doctors through a wireless transmission signal, allowing them to monitor the information remotely, and identify when the heart rate accelerates, slows down or exhibits abnormal behaviour. The information is of equally high quality when compared to data collected by an ECG or Holter Monitor, but because the device can stay in place for up to three years, it allows doctors a much larger window of time to evaluate data, and therefore, come to a conclusion about the cause of the irregularity. Dr Apichai explains that this is particularly helpful when trying to avoid the complications of an irregular heartbeat. For example, atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation (AF) is categorised by rapid and irregular beating of the atria (the heart’s upper chamber). This can lead to risk of thrombosis, as blood is not pumped out of the heart efficiently and has the potential to pool and form a dangerous clot. This clot can then
travel and block the blood flow in the brain, which can result in a lifethreatening stroke. Other serious complications include heart failure and cardiac arrest. Consequently, doctors recommend arrhythmia patients to use the Loop Recorder to monitor their hearts consistently so that these risks are minimised. The procedure itself is advantageous as it only takes five minutes to complete, and requires a small incision about four to five millimetres wide. This wound will heal in no longer than a week and the patient can live, bathe and exercise normally. Patients can also benefit from routine check-ups, where doctors can offer advice on living with the condition and address any additional concerns. The overarching group of arrhythmias affect a large subset of the population. Therefore, it is crucial to implement this new technology in order to offer these patients a better chance at a healthy life.
Sukumvit Hospital began operations in 1977, recently completed a major makeover. Not only have they built a new building, but the entire team of doctors, specialists, nurses and assistants have all been trained with the singular aim of helping their patients maintain optimum health. Then there are the equipment, state-of-the-art MRIs, Cath labs and myriad of others, so that their specialists have the best available tools for diagnosis and treatment. Conveniently located on Sukhumvit Road with English speaking staff, Sukumvit Hospital is now ready for any emergencies or treatments.
Sukumvit Hospital 1411 Sukhumvit Road, (Ekkamai BTS) Phrakanong Nua, Wattana, Bangkok, Thailand 10110 02 391 0011 www.sukumvithospital.com Facebook: @sukumvithospital
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