Cardiac Event Recorder (LOOP recorder)
A Cardiac Event Recorder is a medical device that records the hearts electrical activity during a period of up to two weeks. This allows the monitor to record your heart for a longer time to ensure correct diagnosis, especially when the symptoms come and go or occur once in a while.
It is most commonly used by doctors in order to diagnose arrhythmias. A Cardiac Event Recorder is also used to detect silent (symptomless) myocardial ischemia.
The monitor also can check whether current treatments for an arrhythmia or silent myocardial ischemia are working.
Some people have heart rhythm problems which occur only during certain activities such as physical exertion. When you feel one or more symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or palpitations you will push a button on the event monitor recorder. Using a Cardiac Event Recorder increases the chance of recording these problems and correlates them with ECG findings.
Special Instructions
Please do not wear body lotion or perfume on the day of your test.
There are no pretest dietary restrictions. The patient should continue to take any prescribed medications before and after the test, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
During the test
Cardiac Event Recording is a painless procedure. A Cardiac Event Recorder is a small, portable device which can be worn while you do your normal daily activities. A technician will attach two sticky patches called electrodes to the skin on your chest.
Please do not shower while wearing the device and do not immerse it in the water. You will be able to shower daily; the technician will provide you with instructions on how to remove the device before taking a shower, replenish electrodes and batteries, and will provide you with a phone number to call if you have any questions.
When you feel one or more symptoms coming on, such as chest pain, dizziness, or palpitations, you will push a button on the event monitor recorder. You will send the recording of the event to our monitoring center. This transmission is done over the telephone. Please advise a technician if you do not have a land line and use only a cellular (mobile) phone. You will be instructed on how to transmit the data. You will also keep a diary in order to log your symptoms and corresponding activities.
A Cardiac Event Recorder is a delicate and expensive medical device, you will be asked to sign a responsibility form to ensure that you will return the device on time and in working condition.
The entire test (preparation and explanation) will take about 15 minutes.
Please arrive 10 minutes before your test to register at the reception desk. Bring your health card and your requisition form (if your physician has provided you with one).