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.

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.
• We are using event monitors which are transmitting “live” data connected to our cardiologists.
• There are no risks when using a cardiac event recorder.

"I kept feeling this pounding in my chest. My doctor suggested I wear an event recorder, and soon I was put on medicine to control my fast heartbeat." Kay, age 61

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.