ECG Monitor (24, 48 or 72hr monitor) Patient information leaflet (146kB pdf)
Introduction
We hope this guide will answer your questions about your 24, 48 or 72-hour ECG
(electrocardiogram) monitor. Please contact the team if you require further
information via the details at the end of this leaflet.
IMPORTANT information ahead of your procedure:
- Please ensure you are available to return the monitor to the department the next day if you are having 24hour ECG monitor (next 2 or 3 days if you are having 48 or 72-hour ECG monitor)
- HOSPITAL TRANSPORT PATIENTS: Please ensure you make arrangements with transport on BOTH days of fitting and returning the monitor.
- If you are coming on a STRETCHER, please contact the department at 01279827195 to arrange a special appointment.
- Children are not allowed in the waiting area unattended. Staff are not permitted to supervise children so please ensure childcare arrangements are in place to avoid your appointment being rescheduled.
- Please allow enough time for parking to avoid your appointment being rescheduled. We advise allowing at least 20 minutes before your appointment slot to allow enough time to park your car, as parking is limited. You may want to leave your car in an offsite car park.
What is a 24, 48 or 72hour ECG monitor?
A 24, 48, or 72-hour ECG is a prolonged ECG (electrocardiogram) recording, widely
used for monitoring a patient’s heart rate and rhythm over a time period. This test
can pick up on heart rhythm problems which do not show often or have not been
detected by a standard ECG. The test involves three electrodes (stickers) being
applied to your chest which are connected by wires to a small recording device. This
device will record your heart rate and rhythm for the entire duration of the recording.
You do not need to stay in hospital, and you can carry on with your normal daily
activities during the test.
Why do I need a 24-hour ECG?
You may have had symptoms such as palpitations (the feeling of strong or fast heart
beats), dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath. A routine ECG has not shown
up any problems, so we would like to monitor your heart over 24-hours to get a
better picture.
Preparing for your procedure
- Please do not use body lotion, body oil, sun cream or talc the morning of your appointment.
- Consider wearing a loose-fitting top.
- Please contact us before your appointment if you require a male or female cardiac physiologist, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
- You can eat and drink as normal
Medication
Please continue to take all medications as normal unless told otherwise by your
doctor.
Getting to us
Please check which hospital your appointment is at. Below are the addresses for The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow and St. Margaret’s Hospital in Epping.
- If you are attending The Princess Alexandra Hospital (Hamstel Road, Harlow, Essex,CM20 1QX).
- If you are attending St. Margaret’s Hospital (The Plain, Epping, Essex, CM16 6TN).
When should I arrive?
Please arrive at the cardiology department approximately 10 minutes prior to your
appointment time. Unfortunately, if you are late we may have to reschedule.
The day of the procedure
During your fitting, you will be invited to a private consultation room and will be
asked to undress to the waist and sit on a couch. A cardiac physiologist will prepare
your skin by cleaning the area with an alcohol wipe. This is to ensure the electrodes
(patches) connected to device stay in place. Chest hair may need to be shaved.
Three electrodes will be attached to your chest and connected to a small light
weight monitor.
You wear the monitor around your waist clipped into a belt or waistband. Fitting the
electrodes and monitor takes about 15 minutes.
You will be given a diary to note the date, time, and any symptoms you experience
while wearing the monitor. When recording the time, it is important to use the
time that is displayed on the front of the monitor.
The procedure
- This device will record continuously and with that in mind you will be asked NOT to swim, shower or take a bath until the device is returned.
- You should continue with your normal daily activities, including sport. You should wear the monitor day and night. Please do not adjust the monitor without speaking to the physiologist first.
Please indicate on the diary if you have any of the following:
- Light headedness
- Dizziness
- Breathlessness
- Palpitations
- Chest tightness
- Fainting
You can exercise while wearing the device but it is important that you indicate times
of exercise on the diary. Please indicate on the diary the times you go to bed and
get up in the morning.
Avoid interference with Microwave ovens, TENS machine and electric blankets can
interfere with the monitor.
Please do not:
- stand in front of a microwave that is being used
- sleep with an electric blanket that is switched on.
You can use mobile phone as normal.
Below is a diagram of how the monitor will be worn and positioned on your body.
After the procedure: Returning the monitor
If the device is on for 24hrs then you will be required to return it an hour before your
original appointment time the next working day. If you are referred for a longer
period of time the technician will advise you of the return date.
Please remove the monitor and dispose of the stickers. You will be given an
envelope to put the monitor after the test. Please return the monitor to the
cardiology department, the main reception- there will be a black box to drop it in.
If you are asked to return the monitor on the weekend, please return to Fleming
Ward, also located on the ground floor, blue zone.
Please return the monitor as soon as possible after your test. If you do not return
your monitor promptly, we may have to cancel appointments for other patients. This
will also cause delay in your results.
You do not have to wait the see anyone.
Results
Once you have returned the monitor, your medical team will look at the results. If
necessary, they will contact you to arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss your
treatment.
Can I drive after my procedure?
You are able to drive as soon as you are discharged from the department.
Can someone stay with me in hospital?
You may have a friend or family member attend with you, but they will be asked to stay in the waiting area while you are having your examination.
How soon can I return to work?
You are able to return to work as soon as discharged from the department
Contacting the team
- If you have any further questions, please contact the Cardiology Department on: Telephone: 01279827195, Office hours: 09:00am-04:30pm
- There is an answerphone available outside of these hours. Please leave a message with your name and hospital number and a member of the team will contact you.
Your feedback matters
- If you would like to give feedback on your care, please contact our patient experience team at [email protected] or 01279 827211.
- Please contact the communications team at [email protected] if you would like this leaflet in another language or format.