Ambulatory ECG Monitoring

The 24 hour Ambulatory ECG Monitor and the Event Monitor are two different ways for your doctor to monitor your heart’s electric signal, and can be used to detect arrhythmias. The Ambulatory ECG Monitor records the signal CONTINUOUSLY for 24 hours. The Event Monitor records the signal when a button is pushed, or when the heart rate goes above or below a pre-determined rate. It is typically worn for 7 days.

What to expect:

The 24 hour Ambulatory ECG Monitor (also known as a Holter Monitor) is a portable device that is worn by the patient under the clothing. Several adhesive-backed monitoring electrodes are attached to the skin. These electrodes are typically attached to a small recorder which stores the signals over 24 hours. You will be asked to keep a record of your daily activities and symptoms in a journal or diary. When the monitoring period is done, you will return to the office, and the electrodes will be removed. A physician will review the recordings and your journal for any abnormalities.

Your doctor will discuss the results of the monitoring procedure with you. Occasionally, the monitoring procedure may need to be repeated. You may not shower or bathe while wearing the monitor, so you may consider doing so immediately prior to receiving the monitor.

The Event Monitor is a portable device that is worn by the patient under the clothing. Several adhesive-backed monitoring electrodes are attached to the skin. These electrodes are then attached to a small recorder. You will be asked to keep a record of your symptoms in a journal or diary. The recorder has a button on it that the patient can activate when he/she is feeling symptoms. The device will record 15 seconds back in time after activation, so as long as the device is pressed within that time frame, the signal from the heart will be recorded.

The device can hold 5 separate events in its memory. Once the memory is filled, you will be able to transmit the information via a regular telephone, and clear the memory.

We ask that you remove the device, leads, and electrodes before showering or bathing. After showering or bathing, apply new electrodes (which will be provided) in a slightly different area on the skin, and reconnect the leads and recorder. After 7 days, the recorder is brought back to the office. A physician will review the recordings and your journal for any abnormalities.

Your doctor will discuss the results of the monitoring procedure with you at your follow-up appointment.