Ambulatory monitors are small, portable electrocardiograph machines that are able to record the heart’s rhythm. Each type of monitor has unique features related to length of recording time and ability to send the recordings over the phone.
Your doctor uses ambulatory monitors to:
- assess your heart rhythm over time
- correlate your symptoms with your heart rhythm
- diagnose abnormal heart rhythms: what kind they are, how long they last, and what may cause them
- guide treatment for abnormal heart rhythms
To prepare:
- Avoid oily or greasy skin creams and lotions where the monitor is applied. They interfere with the electrode-skin contact.
- Wear a shirt that can be easily removed to place the electrodes on the chest.