Continuous heart monitor

A continuous heart monitor is a small device that you wear. It records the electrical activity of your heart. "Continuous" means that it records your heartbeats the whole time you're wearing it.

The test is done with a monitor that is an adhesive patch. Your doctor will place it on the skin of your chest.

The device will give your doctor the same kind of information as an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). An EKG shows the heart's electrical activity as line tracings on paper.

This test is used to look for heartbeats that are too fast, too slow, or irregular. Many people have abnormal heartbeats from time to time. Because these kinds of heartbeats can come and go, it may be hard to record one while you are in the doctor's office. Wearing a heart monitor for a longer time and during your whole day makes it easier to record your abnormal heartbeats.

This test can help your doctor find out what is causing symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, or lightheadedness. It also can help him or her check to see if treatment for an abnormal heartbeat is working.

• The skin on your chest where the monitor will go will be shaved and cleaned.
• Your doctor will place the monitor on your skin.
• The monitor will record the activity of your heart for the whole time that you have it. Your doctor will explain which type of monitor you have and how he or she will get the information from your monitor.