Early Detection of Cardiac Arrhythmias Through Nurse-Led Remote Monitoring

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to highlight a nurse-led Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) program for cardiac patient, and alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 health transformation goals. With focus on advancing nurse-led digital health intervention to reduce readmissions, and promote cost-effective solutions.

Methods: Heart failure (HF) patients on discharged from hospital were enrolled in the RPM program. Each received a monitoring kit with ECG-capable smartwatch linked via Bluetooth to a secure mobile app streaming real-time data to a digital dashboard reviewed by cardiac nurses. Patients were monitored remotely for three months.

Results: Total of 30 HF patients were enrolled. The arrythmia was detected in 5 (18.5%) either new or symptomatic arrhythmias, of which, 3 (60%) males, 2 (40%) females, with average age 21–72 years. Atrial Fibrillation was observed in 3 patients, of which 2 were new onset, and started anticoagulation with further optimization of betablockers. One patient developed symptomatic arrythmia with non-sustained ventricular tachycardia with variable block on RPM, patient was sent to hospital and received amiodarone and had VT ablation. Other finding was tachycardia with premature ventricular contraction (PVC)s, patient had Holter which showed PVCs managed with beta-blocker and electrolyte correction. The outcome of RPM includes 1 (20%) required admission for intervention, 2 (80%) started anticoagulation for stroke prevention. All patient benefited from medical optimization. The time from ECG recording of arrythmia to escalating care by nursing team is average of 12 ± 4 minutes.

Conclusion: Early detection and rapid response prevented major complications in all affected patients, avoiding strokes or sudden cardiac deaths. The nurse-led RPM demonstrated strong clinical leadership and operational efficiency, enabling timely, evidence-based interventions.