Ambulatory ECG Monitor

What is an Ambulatory ECG Monitor?

An ambulatory ECG monitor is a small lightweight device that measures your heart rate and rhythm, as you go about your normal daily routine.

Three small stickers (electrodes) are attached to your chest to which the monitor and leads are connected. If possible, please could you wear separate tops and bottoms to allow the physiologist to attach the monitor to you easily.

The monitor is discreet and approximately the size of a small mobile phone and can be worn on the waistband, belt or placed in the pocket.

It is expected that you carry out any activities you do during a ‘typical’ day, keeping the monitor dry at all times, in other words no bathing.

It is important that you record the time (as displayed on the monitor) of any symptoms onto the diary sheet provided, including your activity.

The physiologist fitting the monitor will fully explain the test to you and feel free to ask any questions.

Returning the monitor

You will be required to return the monitor the following day at 09.00 if the monitor was fitted in the morning or at 12.00 if it was fitted in the afternoon. If the monitor is being fitted on a Friday, it can be returned anytime over the weekend as long as it is returned before the following Monday at 09:00.

If returning the equipment before these times is going to be a problem, please phone the cardiology department (01223) 216990, prior to attending your initial appointment to rearrange a more convenient time.

The monitor can be returned by someone on your behalf.

It is essential that the monitor is returned the following day to enable it to be attached to further patients. Any delay in returning the monitor may delay you receiving your results.

The monitor must be returned in good working order.

How long will it take?

It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to fit the monitor. During this time, we will check the device is working properly, show you the best place to attach the device (waist, belt, or pocket) and answer any of your questions.

How do I get my result?

Once the monitor has been returned and the recording analysed, the results will be forwarded to your referring GP or consultant.

Other important information

Please inform reception of your arrival as soon as you enter the department. There are many other tests being performed so you may not be called in of order of arrival.

You may bring a relative or friend in with you during the test, however, this is dependent on the trusts visiting policy due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

You may request a female physiologist to perform your test if you wish. Alternatively, you may also request a chaperone. Please inform the reception staff when you arrive.

If the monitor is being returned over the weekend, it will need to be dropped in the wooden box outside the clinic door. Please DO NOT drop off the monitor elsewhere in the hospital as we may not be able to retrieve it.