Cardiac event monitoring factsheet
Introduction
An event monitor is a device that lets your child record their heart's electrical activity at different times. It can help document unusual heart behaviour that is:
- random
- triggered by emotions
- brought on by exercise or activity.
The monitor is used when other tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor cannot document irregular symptoms..
Unusual heart behaviour can be life-threatening if it goes unnoticed. Your child's doctor may recommend event monitoring to:
- find and diagnose heart-related symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness
- document rhythm disturbances, like when a heart palpitation starts and finishes and how long it lasts for
- rule out heart problems as a cause of seizures.
Our hospitals use a monitor that requires you to download the Kardia mobile app to your phone or another device.
聽Before the test
Your child's doctor or physiologist will explain the test to you, including how long you'll need to keep the monitor.
They will show you how to use the monitor and answer any questions you have.
聽During the test
Your child's treatment team will let you know how long the event monitor needs to be worn. This will depend on your child's symptoms, but it is usually for one month.
The physiologist will give you instructions on how to:
- download and use the Kardia mobile app
- email the data from your monitor back to your child's treatment team
The monitor is programmed to save a set amount of ECG data before and after the record button is pressed.
Generally, monitors can store five events, each lasting one minute - 30 seconds before and 30 seconds after pressing the record button.
You will get an alert when the batteries need changing, or the memory is full.
聽After the test
The results will be sent to your child's doctor. You will need to book a follow-up appointment with them to discuss the results and any further tests or treatment.
The monitor needs to be returned within 24hrs of the loan period ending.
