Cardiology Services - Electrocardiology

EVENT MONITORS

What is an event monitor? 
An event monitor is a miniature version of an EKG machine. Event monitors are used to diagnose cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beats) that occur infrequently. The monitor stores EKG rhythm strips digitally and usually is worn for 30 days at a time.  Event monitors can recognize certain cardiac arrhythmias and will automatically store a one minute rhythm strip for the physician to look at. The event monitor will beep when it records a rhythm strip and at your earliest convenience you will need to transmit the rhythm strip over the phone lines for the physician to evaluate. You can also tell the monitor to store a rhythm strip manually when you have symptoms.  This is done by depressing a button on the event monitor. When you store a rhythm strip manually it will record 30 seconds back in time and 30 seconds forward in time for a total of one minute.

How is it performed? 
The monitor is applied by a health care professional such as a nurse, respiratory therapist or cardiovascular technician. The person setting up your event monitor will lift your shirt up or ask you to unbutton your shirt. He or she will then place 3 EKG patches on your chest. The EKG patches are just stickers about 1 inch in diameter with conductive gel on them to help conduct the electrical activity from your heart to the event monitor.

The person that sets up the event monitor will teach you how to transmit the rhythm strips across the phone lines with your home telephone. They will also explain how to capture your EKG rhythm strips manually.

What kind of preparation is required? 
There is no special preparation for this test. You may eat and drink normally. We do suggest that you wear a shirt that buttons up in the front. The monitor can be taken on and off for bathing. If you are allergic to adhesive tape you may want to talk to your physician before you have this monitor applied.

Does it hurt? 
The exam itself does not hurt. There may be some discomfort when the EKG patches are taken off, this will be similar to taking off a band aide. 

Is it harmful? 
No, but if you are sensitive to adhesive tape the EKG patches can break your skin out.