Cardiac event monitor

Why might I need a cardiac event monitor?

Your doctor might recommend a cardiac event monitor if you have symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fainting or chest pain, as a standard ECG only looks at your heart for a short time, which only looks at your heart for a short time.

It can help to find the cause of these symptoms, check how well treatment for an abnormal heart rhythm is working, or see whether a pacemaker or defibrillator is working properly.

What are the benefits of using one?

Because you can wear or carry a cardiac event monitor for days, weeks or even longer, it's much more likely to capture an irregular heartbeat than a standard ECG, which only records a single snapshot of your heart's activity at one point in time.

Are there different types of cardiac event monitor?

There are several types:

• Symptom event monitor: This is where you place sensors on your skin and turn the device on when you have symptoms
• Loop memory monitor: This is where sensors stay in place and you press a button when symptoms start, so the device can record your heart's activity from a minute or two beforehand, as well as afterwards
• Patch recorder: This sticks to your chest and monitors continuously for around 2 weeks
• Implanted loop recorder: This is a small device placed under your skin that can monitor your heart for years.

Some monitors use sticky electrode pads connected by wires, while others are worn like a wristwatch or carried and held to your chest when you have symptoms.

How do I prepare for using a cardiac event monitor?

There's no special preparation needed. If your monitor uses electrode pads, areas of your chest may be shaved and cleaned, and a small amount of gel applied before the pads are attached.

You'll be shown how and when to change the electrodes at home, and given instructions on how to use your particular device, as this varies between types.

What happens while I'm using it?

Using a cardiac event monitor usually involves the following:

• your healthcare provider fits the monitor or shows you how to attach it yourself, which may involve electrode pads connected by wires, or a device worn on your wrist or carried with you
• you go about your normal daily activities while wearing or carrying the monitor
• when you notice symptoms, such as a racing heart, dizziness or chest pain, you press a button on the device to record your heart's activity, unless your monitor detects and records automatically
• depending on the type, your recordings may be sent automatically to your healthcare provider, or you may need to return the device so they can be downloaded and reviewed.

What happens after?

Once you've finished using your monitor, usually after the period your doctor asked for, you'll return it if needed so your recordings can be reviewed, or your provider will access the information already sent to them.

You'll usually have a follow-up appointment to discuss what the monitor found and whether you need any further tests or treatment.

What are the risks?

Wearing or using a cardiac event monitor has no known risks and doesn't cause any pain. If your monitor uses electrode pads, the adhesive can sometimes irritate your skin, but this settles once the pads are removed.