What is Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring
Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring is used to detect abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Most monitors are connected by wires to flat, sticky disks (electrodes) that are then attached to your chest. You may need to wear a monitor if you have had symptoms such as:
- Fast heartbeats (palpitations).
- Dizziness.
- Fainting or light-headedness.
- Unexplained weakness.
- Shortness of breath.
There are several types of monitors. Some common monitors include:
- Holter monitor. This records your heart rhythm continuously, usually for 24–48 hours.
- Event (episodic) monitor. This monitor has a symptoms button, and when pushed, it will begin recording. You need to activate this monitor to record when you have a heart-related symptom.
- Automatic detection monitor. This monitor will begin recording when it detects an abnormal heartbeat.
What are the risks?
Generally, these devices are safe to use. However, it is possible that the skin under the electrodes will become irritated.
How to prepare for monitoring
Your health care provider will prepare your chest for the electrode placement and show you how to use the monitor.
- Do notapply lotions to your chest before monitoring.
- Follow directions on how to care for the monitor, and how to return the monitor when the testing period is complete.
How to use your cardiac monitor
- Follow
directions about how long to wear the monitor, and if you can take the
monitor off in order to shower or bathe.
- Do notlet the monitor get wet.
- Do notbathe, swim, or use a hot tub while wearing the monitor.
- Keep your skin clean. Do notput body lotion or moisturizer on your chest.
- Change the electrodes as told by your health care provider, or any time they stop sticking to your skin. You may need to use medical tape to keep them on.
- Try to put the electrodes in slightly different places on your chest to help prevent skin irritation. Follow directions from your health care provider about where to place the electrodes.
- Make sure the monitor is safely clipped to your clothing or in a location close to your body as recommended by your health care provider.
- If
your monitor has a symptoms button, press the button to mark an event as
soon as you feel a heart-related symptom, such as:
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Light-headedness.
- Palpitations.
- Thumping or pounding in your chest.
- Shortness of breath.
- Unexplained weakness.
- Keep a diary of your activities, such as walking, doing chores, and taking medicine. It is very important to note what you were doing when you pushed the button to record your symptoms. This will help your health care provider determine what might be contributing to your symptoms.
- Send the recorded information as recommended by your health care provider. It may take some time for your health care provider to process the results.
- Change the batteries as told by your health care provider.
- Keep
electronic devices away from your monitor. These include:
- Tablets.
- MP3 players.
- Cell phones.
- While
wearing your monitor you should avoid:
- Electric blankets.
- Electric razors.
- Electric toothbrushes.
- Microwave ovens.
- Magnets.
- Metal detectors.
Get help right away if:
- You have chest pain.
- You have shortness of breath or extreme difficulty breathing.
- You develop a very fast heartbeat that does not get better.
- You develop dizziness that does not go away.
- You faint or constantly feel like you are about to faint.
Summary
- An ambulatory cardiac monitor is a small recording device that is used to detect abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
- Make sure you understand how to send the information from the monitor to your health care provider.
- It is important to press the button on the monitor when you have any heart-related symptoms.
- Keep a diary of your activities, such as walking, doing chores, and taking medicine. It is very important to note what you were doing when you pushed the button to record your symptoms. This will help your health care provider learn what might be causing your symptoms.
