What is an event monitor?
An event monitor is a portable device that can record your heart’s electrical activity when you’re experiencing abnormal heart symptoms. An event monitor is similar to an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) in that it records the same information but can do so for a longer duration of time. The monitor is used as an outpatient option to record and study your heart rhythm for any issues that aren’t captured by a standard EKG. This will allow your physician to examine the electrical signals of your heart and can be used to diagnose conditions such as tachycardia, heart palpitations or dizziness and other medical conditions.
Who needs an event monitor?
Your cardiologist may recommend an event monitor if they suspect you’re experiencing intermittent symptoms such as heart palpitations, fainting or dizziness or irregular heartbeats. Your provider may also recommend an event monitor based on your medical history, even if your EKG appears to be normal. An event monitor has the ability to pick up abnormal electrical activity that you experience intermittently, since an EKG is done over a very short, defined period of time in a physician’s office. This way, you have the ability to record your heart’s activity when you’re experiencing any abnormalities.
What are the risks of an event monitor?
There are no risks for using an event monitor, they are safe and do not have any adverse effects. There are sensors that attach the monitor to your skin, so if you are sensitive to adhesive you may experience mild irritation.
How do you prepare for an event monitor?
Your physician will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your event monitor. There are different types of event monitors, so the instructions may be slightly different depending on the model you are given. Some monitors attach to your chest, while others are worn on your wrist or handheld. Generally speaking you will want to wear clothing that allows for the event monitor placement to accurately measure your heart rhythm. If there is any sensors that need to be attached, you should be sure the area you’re attaching them to is clean and dry.
What should you expect from an event monitor?
Follow your physician’s instructions on how to use your event monitor. The period in which you have the event monitor could range from 24 – 48 hours up to a month, but typically only a few readings are required. You can usually go about your typical daily activities such as exercise, however some event monitors may have restrictions on activities such as bathing, swimming or sweating, so be sure to follow your physician’s instructions closely.
Some items could interrupt your event monitor recordings such as magnets, metal detectors, electric devices or cell phones. Your provider will give you specific instructions on what you can and cannot use while wearing your event monitor. You should also keep your cellphone or other electronic devices 6 inches or more from your event monitor.
Generally speaking you will activate your event monitor when you’re experiencing symptoms, although some types of event monitors may automatically detect abnormal activities and begin monitoring your heart. Once you start experiencing symptoms you will want to stop what you are doing and stay still so your event monitor can get a good recording of the activity. Typically this will be for several minutes. You should plan to keep a diary of when you are using your device monitor.
The type of event monitor will determine how your results are provided to your physician, however your doctor will always read your recordings to determine a treatment plan for you based on the severity and frequency of your symptoms. Depending on their findings, follow-up tests such as an exercise stress test or echocardiogram may be required for further diagnosis and treatment.