Electrocardiogram (ECG) Monitoring or Event Recorder

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is an electrical recording of the heart rhythm, which takes less than 5 minutes to carry out. It is completely painless and provides information about the state, function and rhythm of the heart. ECGs can determine whether the heart is performing normally or suffering from abnormalities (extra or skipped heartbeats − cardiac arrhythmia).

It may be useful for seeing how well a patient is responding to treatment. Up to 12 self-adhesive electrodes will be attached to specific locations on the arms, legs and chest (which may need to be shaved). The results of the test will be used by the doctor for the assessment and subsequent patient plan.

What is a cardiac event recorder?

A cardiac event recorder is a battery-powered portable device that you control to tape-record your hearts electrical activity (ECG) when you have symptoms.

There are two types of event recorders: a loop memory monitor and a symptom event monitor. A cardiac event recorder is used to make a recording of your electrocardiogram when you have fast or slow heartbeats or feel dizzy or faint.

Why do people need to use a cardiac event recorder?

Tests such as cardiac event recordings are used to enable and help you doctor look at your heart's activity at rest and at one point in time. The symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm and cardiac symptoms may come and go, event recorders allow for your heartbeat to be registered during an event giving a better image and therefore analysis.

What are the risks of cardiac event recorders?

Wearing a cardiac event recorder has no risks and causes no pain. However, if you wear electrode patches, the adhesive might irritate your skin. Any skin irritation disappears when the patches are removed.