Various systems and methods are provided for intervening where aberrant
heart and/or respiratory functionality is detected. For example, some
embodiments of the present invention provide a monitor capable of
detecting the occurrence of various aberrant events, and in some cases
for intervening in the event. In some cases, a pacemaker or some other
medical device detects an abnormality, and an information signal
indicating the detected abnormality is transmitted from the pacemaker to
a bedside monitor or some other monitor associated with the patient.
Based on the received information signal, the bedside monitor can deliver
an appropriate therapy. Such a therapy can be, but are not limited to,
the sounding of an audible alarm to awake the patient, and/or the
programming of a medical device implanted in the patient. Further, in
some cases, the detected aberrant behavior and/or events surrounding the
aberrant behavior can be transmitted from the bedside monitor to a remote
monitor. Information can be retrieved from the remote monitor by a
clinician and used in real time, or at a later time to diagnose and/or
treat the patient.