Advice

for Patients

This page is intended to provide you with information if you have been fitted with a Cardionetics ambulatory ECG monitor.

You will probably have been fitted with the monitor to investigate symptoms of palpitations, dizzy spells or breathlessness but many other uses including routine screening are possible.

The monitor analyses your heart's electrical activity to look for changes in rhythm. Every time your heart beats, the monitor examines the signal and identifies any abnormal beats or conditions.

When you go back to your doctor the device will be removed, connected to a computer and a report will show how your heart has behaved over the test. This report will help your doctor to decide whether your symptoms are linked to your heart and if so whether there is any cause for concern. In the majority of cases, the test will show an innocent condition and you will not need to attend a hospital clinic.

Tips for your test
•	The electrical signals your heart emits are very small and can be lost when the electrodes are touched or the wires waggled. Try to avoid pulling the leads or rubbing the electrode pads.
•	Complete the patient diary in as much detail as possible. It will be helpful to note periods of activity, stress and relaxation and when any symptoms occurred.
•	When you feel any symptoms, press the button on the monitor.
•	If you wear the device overnight, place the monitor under a pillow and wear pyjamas or a night-dress to keep the wires and electrode pads in place.
•	Do NOT open the device, remove the batteries or switch the monitor off, as all the data will be erased.
•	Do NOT tamper with the device or the electrode leads in any way.
•	If you experience discomfort under the electrode pads, remove them and return the monitor to your doctor.