Patient-Activated ECG Monitor

(Also called: loop monitor or event monitor)

Purpose

A patient-activated electrocardiogram (loop) monitor is a recording device the size of a pager that is used to record the heart's electrical activity during symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness.

Description

1. Two disposable adhesive electrodes are positioned on the patient’s chest and linked to the recording device by two small cables.
2. The recording device is worn for two weeks, and the monitor is activated by pressing a recording button as soon as the symptoms occur.
3. When the recording button is pressed, the monitor stores one to five minutes of electrocardiogram data into its memory. The monitor can be programmed to record one or several recordings. The content of the recorder is transmitted via telephone line to a monitoring centre.
4. The technical staff at the monitoring centre review the information as it is transmitted. Any urgent findings are brought to the attention of a physician, and non-urgent data is compiled and forwarded to a cardiologist for interpretation at the end of the two-week monitoring period.
5. A report is mailed to the referring doctor seven to 10 days after the monitor has been returned.

Patient Instructions

Set up of the monitor is done in the Cardiac Diagnostic Centre on H1 of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Patients should bring a list of all their medications to the appointment and arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.

The monitor is removable for bathing, showering, and swimming. Electrodes are to be changed every day. The monitor and wires must not come into contact with any liquids or sharp objects, such as scissors.

Patients are asked to keep a diary of their recordings, including date, time, and activity whenever symptoms are felt.