Cardiac Event Monitors

A cardiac event monitor is a device that records the electrical activity of the heart when symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain or dizziness are present. The portable device serves the same purpose as an electrocardiogram (ECG), but for a longer period of time.

Most cardiac event monitors send information directly to a patient’s healthcare provider, so they can analyze the heart’s electrical activity during or after the patient experiences symptoms. This helps diagnose an abnormal heart rhythm and other related medical conditions.

Who Might Need a Cardiac Event Monitor?

Your doctor may recommend an event monitor if:

• You have a suspected abnormal heart rhythm that occurs infrequently and temporarily, which could be missed by an ECG at a doctor’s office.
• You’re already being treated for an abnormal heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation, and your provider wants to assess how well your treatment is working.
• You experience frequent dizziness and fainting.

Types of Event Cardiac Event Monitors

• Symptom event monitor: You apply sensors to the skin and turn on the device when you have symptoms.
• Patch recorder: A patch attached to the chest provides two weeks of continuous monitoring.
• Loop memory monitor: Sensors are attached to the chest in advance and the device is turned on when you experience symptoms. Your heart’s electrical activity will be recorded for a minute or two before and after symptoms begin.
• Implanted loop recorder: A device is implanted under the skin and can provide years of heart monitoring.

What Happens While You’re Using a Cardiac Event Monitor?

While you’re wearing your cardiac event monitor, you will:

• Push the button to start recording when you have symptoms. Some models may begin recording automatically when an abnormal rhythm is detected.
• After pressing the button, stop moving to help the device capture a quality recording. Most event monitors will record for several minutes.
• For some types of event monitors, you’ll need to send the recordings to your healthcare provider over the phone or using the internet.
• Keep a written diary of your heart rhythm events, including your symptoms, when they occurred and what you were doing at the time.

While you’re using an event monitor, you’ll need to follow your provider’s instructions about exercise to avoid the sensors detaching. You may also need to avoid or keep your monitor a safe distance from certain items and devices, including:

• Magnets
• Cell phones
• Electric blankets, toothbrushes and razors
• Microwave ovens
• Computer tablets
• Metal detectors

What Happens After Using a Cardiac Event Monitor?

After a few readings, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop wearing the event monitor. They may use the monitor’s readings to begin or modify your treatment. In some cases, more testing may be needed.

What Are the Benefits of a Cardiac Event Monitor?

Event monitors allow for long-term monitoring of your heart to capture infrequent abnormalities of the heartbeat that might not be detected during office visits.

What Are the Risks of Using a Cardiac Event Monitor?

Event monitors are completely safe and do not cause any pain. However, for some models, the sticky patches used to attach the sensors to the chest may cause skin irritation.