Event Monitors
Event monitors are small devices that are used by patients over a longer period (weeks to months, typically one month). Two sticky patches (electrodes) on the chest connect two wires to the event recorder. The monitor is always on but will only store the patient’s rhythm when the patient or caregiver pushes the button.
Most monitors will save the rhythm for several seconds before the button is even pushed. The rhythm is also saved for a period after the button is pushed. A few specialized monitors are used only after the patient has symptoms. The intent is for most event monitors to be worn as much as possible every day to increase the chances of recording the patient’s rhythm when he/she has symptoms.
Once a recording (sometimes more than one) has been made, it can be transmitted over the phone back to your heart center.
Figure 2. show an Event monitor with leads. Some devices will store more than one event.
