Effective Date: July 30, 2026
Overview
We are excited to announce a new enhancement to the HealthArc platform. Beginning July 30, 2026, all Blood Pressure and Pulse readings displayed within the HealthArc portal will include a heartbeat status indicator:
IHB – Irregular Heartbeat
NHB – Normal Heartbeat
These indicators are displayed alongside each blood pressure and pulse reading, providing additional insight into the patient's heart rhythm at the time of measurement.
What is an Irregular Heartbeat (IHB)?
An Irregular Heartbeat (IHB) is detected when the blood pressure monitor identifies variations in heartbeat rhythm during the measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
During each reading, the monitor:
Records all pulse intervals detected during the measurement.
Calculates the average pulse interval.
Compares each pulse interval to the calculated average.
The monitor will display the IHB indicator if either of the following conditions is met:
Two or more pulse intervals differ from the average by more than ±25%, or
Four or more pulse intervals differ from the average by more than ±15%.
When these conditions are met, the device displays the IHB symbol, and the corresponding reading in the HealthArc portal will also be marked as IHB.
If none of these conditions are met, the reading will be displayed with the NHB (Normal Heartbeat) indicator.
What Does the IHB Indicator Mean?
The presence of the IHB indicator means that the blood pressure monitor detected a pulse irregularity during that particular measurement that is consistent with an irregular heartbeat.
In many cases, an occasional irregular heartbeat detection is not a cause for concern.
However, if the IHB indicator appears frequently across multiple readings, we recommend that the patient consult their healthcare provider for a professional medical evaluation.
Important: The irregular heartbeat detection feature is intended as an informational aid only. It is not designed to diagnose cardiac conditions or replace professional medical assessment. Healthcare providers should rely on clinical judgment and appropriate diagnostic testing when evaluating a patient's cardiac health.
How the Heartbeat Indicator Appears
The heartbeat status is visible in two locations:
On the Blood Pressure Monitor
During measurement, the device will display an IHB symbol if an irregular heartbeat is detected.
If no irregular heartbeat is detected, the reading is considered NHB (Normal Heartbeat).
In the HealthArc Portal
Each Blood Pressure and Pulse reading displayed on the patient's chart now includes the corresponding heartbeat indicator:
IHB – Irregular Heartbeat detected during the measurement
NHB – Normal Heartbeat detected during the measurement
This allows care teams to quickly identify readings where an irregular heartbeat was detected and monitor trends over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will this feature be available?
The IHB/NHB indicators are available beginning July 30, 2026.
Which readings include the heartbeat indicator?
The indicator is displayed alongside all Blood Pressure and Pulse readings recorded using supported HealthArc blood pressure monitors.
Does an IHB reading mean the patient has a heart condition?
Not necessarily. An IHB indicator simply means that an irregular pulse pattern was detected during that measurement. Occasional irregularities can occur for various reasons and do not necessarily indicate a medical condition.
What should I do if I see frequent IHB readings?
If a patient consistently receives IHB readings over multiple measurements, advise them to consult their healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Can the IHB indicator be used to diagnose a heart condition?
No. The IHB feature is intended to identify pulse irregularities during a blood pressure measurement. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used as the sole basis for clinical decisions.
Questions or Support
If you have any questions regarding the new IHB/NHB heartbeat indicators, please contact the HealthArc Support Team.
Email: [email protected]