What is Remote Monitoring?
Remote monitoring is a way for your heart device — pacemaker, defibrillator (ICD), or loop recorder — to securely send important information to your healthcare team without you needing to visit the clinic in person to have that information checked.
Think of it as a virtual check-up that happens in the background, giving you peace of mind that your device is being regularly monitored.
Why is it important?
Before remote monitoring existed, the only time doctors could get information from a patient’s heart device was during an in-clinic check, which often happened just once a year. At that appointment, your doctor would review the battery, check the leads, and see if any arrhythmias had been recorded.
This meant that sometimes:
A patient could be sitting in an arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation for months without it being detected. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke.
A lead or battery issue could develop and cause symptoms before the doctor knew about it.
Remote monitoring has changed this. Your healthcare team can now receive information much sooner — often before you notice something is wrong. This allows problems to be picked up early and action taken quickly if needed.
How does it work?
Your device: Your pacemaker, ICD, or loop recorder continuously records information about your heart rhythm and how the device is performing.
The monitor: A small bedside unit (or sometimes an app on your phone) collects this data and sends it securely over the internet or mobile network.
Transmission: If there’s a rhythm change or a device alert, the information is sent to your monitoring team and your cardiologist.
Review: Qualified pacing technicians review the data. If something needs attention, your doctor will be informed and you may be contacted for follow-up.
Living with remote monitoring
Most people don’t even notice it working — the monitor usually checks in at night while you’re asleep.
If you travel, your device stores information and sends it once the monitor reconnects.
If your monitor ever loses connection, your clinic will usually be notified after a set period and help you get it reconnected.
What it does (and doesn’t) do
Remote monitoring checks your heart rhythm, device battery, and leads.
It can send alerts to your healthcare team if something concerning happens.
It does not replace in-person visits with your doctor or clinic — those are still important and will continue on your doctor’s advice.
It does not provide real-time emergency response. If you ever feel very unwell, call 000 or go straight to the emergency department.
Reassurance for you
Remote monitoring is an important advancement in heart care. It means doctors can stay on top of problems earlier — sometimes before you’re even aware of them. This gives you extra safety, early detection, and peace of mind knowing your heart and device are being checked regularly, not just once a year.