Learn the features and functions of memory looping and symptom event monitors.
An event monitor records the same information as an ECG but it can be worn for an extended period of time. More advanced cardiac event monitors can send the data directly to a healthcare provider for analysis.
Event monitors assist in detecting abnormal heart rhythm, irregular heart rate, and temporary problems such as heart palpitations. Your doctor may prescribe an Event monitor if your symptoms occur only weekly or monthly.
Symptom event monitors require the patient to activate the device each time you feel a symptom. Once activated, it will start recording for a few minutes and then stop.
There are different device styles, including wrist and handheld. The wrist device requires you to press a button when you feel a symptom and place it on your chest while it records. The handheld device requires you to hold the device up to your chest when you feel a symptom and then press record.
Memory looping monitors record your heart activity constantly but only saves data when manually activated or if the device detects abnormal heart activity. When activated, the device records a few minutes before, during, and after the symptom, providing a bit more information than a symptom event monitor.
These monitors use sticky patch electrodes that attach to your chest and connect wires to the monitoring device, which can be carried or clipped to your side.
A patient with infrequent symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats, may receive an ECG test at the doctor’s office. Because an ECG test only monitors a short time frame, it may not catch the irregularities of the heart. If your symptoms occur less frequently than a few days, an Event monitor may be prescribed and worn for up to a month to record symptoms when they occur.
The main difference between a Holter monitor and an Event monitor is that the Holter monitor records your heart activity continuously over 24-48 hrs. The event monitor is not continuous and requires you to press a button when you feel a symptom. Because event monitors aren’t continuous, they can be worn up to 30 days.
The difference between Event monitors and Mobile Cardiac Telemetry devices is Event monitors are not continuous and require the patient to send recordings over the phone. With mobile cardiac telemetry, recording is continuous, and information sends automatically, creating less hassle for the patient.
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