Cardiac Event Monitor
What is an Event Monitor?
An event monitor is a small portable device used to record the heart's electrical activity when symptoms occur. Unlike a 24-hour ECG which records continuously, an event monitor is only activated when your child feels symptoms like palpitations or dizziness.
Why is an Event Monitor done?
It is used for children who have infrequent symptoms that might not be captured during a standard 24-hour recording. Some monitors can be kept for a week or even a month.
What happens during the test?
Depending on the type of monitor, your child might wear stickers on their chest, or they might have a small device that they press against their chest only when they feel symptoms.
How long does it take?
Fitting the monitor takes about 10 minutes. The device is then kept for several days or weeks until an "event" is captured.
Does it hurt?
No. The test is painless.
DR NAQVI'S TOP TIPS for using an Event Monitor
- Always keep the monitor nearby so you can use it quickly when symptoms start.
- Keep a diary of what your child was doing when the symptoms occurred.
- Make sure you understand how to activate the recording and how to send the data (some devices can send data via a smartphone app).
Symptom Tracking
Capture infrequent heart rhythm events to provide a definitive diagnosis.