Question

I have a friend out in Sycamore who has sinus tachycardia (and most likely coronoavirus). His doctor wants him to wear a heart monitor, but there are none available in his area (because he's not sick enough). Does anyone know where he can go to get one? I'm happy to pick it up and deliver it to his doorstep. His heart rate is stuck at 120 bpm and goes up to 150 bpm (it's hard for him to sleep). Even if it's a referral to another doctor who may be able to help him, that would be helpful.  

Answer 1

Well I'll tell you a if he has tachy cardia and Corona virus hes definitely sick enough! He needs to have the social worker at his doctor's office help him out with all of this or the doctor's nurse

Answer 2

A Fitbit or smart watch might be a last resort. I don’t think Walgreens or CVS would carry them but it’s an idea.  

Answer 3

Was this his PCP? I’ve seen a few cardiologists and they all have their own they have patients wear. Might be hard to get an appointment but worth a shot. I use Rush Copley Cardiology and they may even have an office or his way.  

Answer 4

AMITA heart & vascular Bolingbook & Woodridge locations

Answer 5

What about a BT sports/workout HRM? You can connect it to an app on your phone to monitor/check.  

Answer 6

Try Best Buy? Maybe they have a Fitbit

Answer 7

2 of my children have tachycardia and have cardiac arrested a few times. It shocks me to hear that he is considered not sick enough. We use the cardiac lab at central dupage hospital to get out heart monitors.  

Comments

I wonder if you can call them and see if they have an extra?  

Answer 8

His doctor should be able to either a) order one from a third-party to be sent to his home (like the Zio patch) or b) refer him to a cardiologist who can place orders for one (this could easily be done during a telephone visit).  

Answer 9

U can get a pulse oximeter on Amazon that’s how I keep track of my tachycardia. They are really affordable too. Not the same thing but works if they can’t get one.  

Answer 10

Dr Greenstein with DuPage Medical group in Naperville.  

Comments

He did my Ablation last December, really good recommendation.  

Answer 11

Amazon sells the Fitness Charge 3 Activity Tracker for $118. I am very happy with mine. The heart rate component is accurate and it records the history well. The data could be shared with his doctor to show how high his heart rate gets 24/7.  

Answer 12

Thank you, I'll pass both Dr Greenstein and Fitness Charge 3 along to my friend.  

Answer 13

Thank you to everyone who chipped in advice. I'm going to give the whole stream to him. You've come up with ideas I haven't and he hasn't thought of. I appreciate it and all of you.  

Answer 14

Turns out it was his PCP who didn't have the heart rate monitor. They did some blood testing. If it comes in as inconclusive, then he'll go to a cardiologist.  

Answer 15

I can't stand doctors. He needs a heart monitor, period. Also, it sounds like AFIB.  

Comments

He has no history of any heart condition. Hence why it's important for this to be taken care of quickly.  

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@sacksen We have access to some great Doctors. Mine has saved my life at least twice and is as nice as can be. I did have to fire one Dr I had that was careless and had an attitude so they aren’t all great and if you come across one that’s disrespectful and careless, do us all a favor. Let them have it and make sure you do an online review!  

Answer 16

Wonder why his PCP hasn't referred him to a cardiologist already, seems obvious with a heart rate like his, he should be seeing one.  

Answer 17

Try the township offices? Lend out other equipment but not sure on this may be worth a call? Or call american American heart associationmaybe association maybe they can help

Answer 18

The new Apple Watches have a "EKG" feature.  

Answer 19

I use my apple watch and the app cardiogram. The readings can be shared with a doctor. They also may sell at Oswalds in Naperville or other pharmacies. The kind with the chest strap. Tell him to stay extremely hydrated.  

Answer 20

Doctor is prescribing a beta blocker. Hopefully it will work

Answer 21

Be careful with the wrist ones . there not always accurate. the finger pulse ox. is good one. I have a special needs daughter who was trached for 11 years and she had to be on one .  

Answer 22

Make sure he is drinking enough water and staying away from caffeine. That is the first sign of dehydration is a fast heart rate. Also, meditation would help too.  

Comments

@equiprobable258 thanks for this, we've just had that conversation yesterday, so very timely.  

Answer 23

We have a portable ekg that can collect his rhythm and send to the doctor. This was created for labs and research so will not have all the features. But you can still get the readings and analyze. Also captures respiratory rage, which could be useful for corona. Please DM if still in need.  

Comments

@rubble7 thank you Paul. If he needs it I'll reach out. I think he's okay for now.  

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@aer10 hope he feels better

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Drinking more water has helped. He'll be on meds soon, so we'll see how that works. I still think he should see a cardiologist just because they are on top of the latest research and therapies.  

Answer 24

Dr Kacmar would be able to test him for COVID and have results in 24 hrs. And he is able to get him a monitor if needed but the real issue is his heart rate. If he can't sustain that heart rate his blood pressure will fall dangerously low. Dr Kacmar is located just west of Rt 59 on 75th, border of Naperville and Aurora.  

Comments

Thank you Janis, I'll let him know.  

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@aer10 I know Dr Kacmar well. He is an excellent practitioner and uses good common sense too in giving his patients options. And a patient and compassionate person.  

Answer 25

Try Oswald’s in Naperville they have a whole medical supply store!