Event Recorder find out more about cardiac event recorder

What is a cardiac event recorder?

A cardiac event recorder is a battery-powered portable device that you control to tape-record your heart’s electrical activity (ECG) when you have symptoms. There are two types of event recorders: a loop memory monitor and a symptom event monitor.

Cardiac event recorders and other devices that record your ECG as you go about your daily activities are also called ambulatory electrocardiographic monitors.

Quick facts:

• A cardiac event recorder makes a record of your electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) when you have fast or slow heartbeats, or feel dizzy or like you want to faint. It can also be used to see how you respond to medicines.
• Some cardiac event recorders store your ECG in memory in the monitor. Your ECG can be sent by telephone to a receiving center or to your doctor.
• There are no risks when using a cardiac event recorder.

Why do people need to use a cardiac event recorder?

Tests such as electrocardiograms let your doctor look at your heart’s activity at rest and at one point in time. But abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac symptoms may come and go. The main purpose of an event monitor is to record your heart rate and rhythm during a symptom ("event"). They work only when a person turns on the device. Your doctor may recommend an event monitor when symptoms are infrequent – less than daily. You may be asked to wear a cardiac event recorder if you have fast, slow or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias.

Wearing the monitor may tell your doctor:

• If your medicines are working.
• If a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is working properly.
• Why you have symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, faintness or the feeling that your heart is racing or skipping a beat.
• If your heart is getting enough oxygen to meet its needs.