iRhythm provides a way to monitor heart rhythm over a longer time than a short office test. A doctor prescribes the Zio patch, which is a small adhesive device placed on the chest. It records every heartbeat for up to two weeks while the patient goes about normal life, then is mailed back for analysis.
The company’s software uses deep learning to analyze the recording and flag events such as atrial fibrillation, pauses, and other arrhythmias. Certified technicians and clinicians then review the findings and create a report for the physician. This approach catches intermittent problems that a brief ECG would miss, and helps guide treatment decisions.
The service is prescribed and billed through healthcare systems and insurers, not bought directly by patients. Wearing a patch has practical issues, such as skin irritation or the patch coming loose, and the results are an aid to diagnosis rather than a diagnosis on their own. Alternatives include Holter monitors, Boston Scientific and Philips cardiac monitors, Apple Watch and Kardia for consumers, and implantable loop recorders. iRhythm suits cardiologists evaluating unexplained symptoms.