When your rhythm is off beat

How to spot and manage heart fibrillations, by CAMILLA FOSTER

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A NEW do-it-yourself heart monitor, the ePatch by Philips, is being given to patients on the NHS to help diagnose heart rhythm issues.

Unlike traditional monitoring which requires specialist setup and numerous wires, patients can be sent the ePatch in the post and attach it to their skin at home. After wearing it for a few days, patients post the patch back and the data is analysed by Cardiologs, an AI tool, with final review by a clinician.

This device, which will be rolled out to NHS trusts, can be used to investigate heart rhythm problems, known as arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia and heart blocks.

Here, Dr Oliver Segal, consultant cardiologist and elec-trophysiologist at The Harley Street Clinic, part of HCA Healthcare UK, explains how to identify and manage arrhythmias.

What is an arrhythmia?