A cardiac event recorder is a portable, battery-powered device that you can control to tape-record the ECG readings or electrical activity of your heart, especially when you are experiencing heart-related problems or symptoms of heart disease. 

There are two types of heart event recorders: a loop memory monitor and a symptom event monitor. These cardiac event recorders and all other devices that record your heart’s ECG as you go about your daily activities are also known as ambulatory electrocardiographic monitors.

Quick Facts About Cardiac Event Recorders:

•    A cardiac event recorder records your electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). It records fast or slow heartbeats and picks up signals whenever you feel dizzy or faint-like. It can also be used to check your responses to heart medication.

•    A few cardiac event recorders store your ECG in the monitor’s memory. Your ECG results can be sent directly to a receiving centre or to your doctor.

•    Using a cardiac event recorder is completely safe and poses no risks or threats to your health. 

Why Do You Need To Use A Cardiac Event Recorder?

Tests such as electrocardiograms allow your doctor to look at your heart’s activity in two stages – one at rest and second at a point in time. Abnormal heart beats/rhythms and cardiac symptoms may come and go. 

The main purpose of a cardiac event monitor is to record your heart rate and heart rhythm during a symptom or an ‘event’. For this, the device must be turned on. Your doctor may recommend a cardiac event monitor when your symptoms are infrequent.

Your doctor may also ask you to wear a cardiac event recorder if you have fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats – also called arrhythmias. 

Wearing the monitor will give your doctor the following important information:

•    Whether your medicines are working.

•    Whether your pacemaker or ICD – implantable cardioverter defibrillator – is working properly. 

•    The causes for your symptoms (if you are experiencing any) such as chest pain, faintness, dizziness, or a feeling that your heart is skipping a beat or racing. 

•    Whether your heart is getting enough oxygen. 

What Are The Two Types Of Cardiac Event Recorders?

There are two types of cardiac event recorders:

•    A looping memory monitor – It is a small device, similar to the size of a pager. It can be programmed to record your ECG results for a certain period of time. 

•    A symptom event monitor – It is either a hand-held device or can be worn on your wrist. When you feel an irregular heartbeat or a symptom, you should immediately place the monitor on your chest and activate the recording button. 

Both devices can directly send your ECG results by telephone to a transmission or receiving center in the hospital, your doctor’s office, or a clinic. A staff member will receive your ECG results or “tracing” and will give it to your doctor. If the results indicate an emergency, you will be asked to go to the emergency room immediately.

Contact Our Office

If you’re interested in learning more about the mobile cardiac telemetry system, the Houston Cardiovascular Institute is here to help. Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation today!