A cardiac event monitor is a device that you control to record the electrical activity of your heart (ECG). This device is about the size of a pager. It records your heart rate and rhythm. Show
Cardiac event monitors are used when you need long-term monitoring of symptoms that occur less than daily. How the Test is PerformedEach type of monitor is slightly different, but they all have sensors (called electrodes) to record your ECG. In some models, these attach to the skin on your chest using sticky patches. The sensors need good contact with your skin. Poor contact can cause poor results. You should keep your skin free from oils, creams, and sweat (as much as possible). The technician who places the monitor will perform the following to get a good ECG recording:
You can carry or wear a cardiac event monitor up to 30 days. You carry the device in your hand, wear on your wrist, or keep it in your pocket. Event monitors can be worn for weeks or until symptoms occur. There are several types of cardiac event monitors.
While wearing the device:
While wearing the device, you may be asked to avoid certain things that can disrupt the signal between the sensors and the monitor. These may include:
Ask the technician who attaches the device for a list of things to avoid. How to Prepare for the TestTell your provider if you are allergic to any tape or other adhesives. How the Test will FeelThis is a painless test. However, the adhesive of the electrode patches may irritate your skin. This goes away on its own once you remove the patches. You must keep the monitor close to your body. Why the Test is PerformedMost often, in people with frequent symptoms, a test called Holter monitoring, which lasts 1 to 2 days, will be performed before using a cardiac event monitor. The event monitor is ordered only if no diagnosis is reached. The event monitor is also used for people who have symptoms that occur less often, such as weekly to monthly. Cardiac event monitoring may be used:
Normal ResultsNormal variations in heart rate occur with activities. A normal result is no significant changes in heart rhythms or pattern. What Abnormal Results MeanAbnormal results may include various arrhythmias. Changes may mean that the heart is not getting enough oxygen. It may be used to diagnose:
RisksThere are no risks associated with the test, other than possible skin irritation. Alternative NamesAmbulatory electrocardiography; Electrocardiography (ECG) - ambulatory; Continuous electrocardiograms (EKGs); Holter monitors; Transtelephonic event monitors ReferencesKrahn AD, Yee R, Skanes AC, Klein GJ. Cardiac monitoring: short- and long-term recording. In: Zipes DP, Jalife J, Stevenson WG, eds. Cardiac Electrophysiology: From Cell to Bedside. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 66. Miller JM, Tomaselli GF, Zipes DP. Diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias. In: Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 35. Tomaselli GF, Zipes DP. Approach to the patient with cardiac arrhythmias. In: Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 32. Review Date 12/7/2020Updated by: Thomas S. Metkus, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What instrument is used to measure the electrical activity of the heart?An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) are placed at certain spots on the chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires.
What is the heart's electrical system called?What is the cardiac conduction system? The human heart is an engine that has to work 24/7 to keep you alive, and it has to be reliable and effective. To do this, it relies on a specialized network of cells called the cardiac conduction system. It's also known as your heart's electrical system.
What is the test that measures the electrical activity of the heart called quizlet?(Referred to as both ECG & EKG) The graphic representation of the electrical activity of the heart. An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. An EKG shows the heart's electrical activity as line tracings on paper. You just studied 27 terms!
What test measures heart rate and electrical activity in the heart?An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. The ECG reflects what's happening in different areas of the heart and helps identify any problems with the rhythm or rate of your heart. The ECG is painless and takes around 5-10 minutes to perform.
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