What is an ECG?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a measure of the electrical activity of the heart that causes the heart to beat and pump blood throughout the body.
What is an arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is a common phrase for an abnormal ECG. An arrhythmia is an abnormality or irregularity of the heart beat. Arrhythmias may be the cause of the heart beating too fast, too slow or even skipping a beat.
What does it mean to have an arrhythmia?
Some arrhythmias are rather common and benign; they have no short term adverse risks associated with them. Some arrhythmias are more serious and can be linked with various forms of heart disease.
Cardiovascular testing with devices such as Holter monitors and Event monitors is used to record infrequent arrhythmias in an effort to determine their significance.
What kind of symptoms might be important?
Any symptom that made you seek medical attention is important to this test. Sometimes the symptoms are more pronounced. You may feel dizzy, faint, breathless or light headed. Sometimes the symptom is less severe, but equally important. You may feel your heart beating rapidly for no reason, beating slowly or skipping a beat.
Severe symptoms may occur while you are being monitored. Symptoms such as chest pain, becoming unconscious or passing out should not be ignored. Seek emergency care or dial 911 if you feel your symptom is severe.
Information for patients using the Zio™ Event Card
How do I start the device?
Usually, the staff at your physician’s office will turn on the device and help you create and transmit your first recording. Once the device is turned on and records your ECG, it will not turn off throughout the remainder of your use.
How long will I have to wear the device for?
The Zio™ Event Card is designed to be worn for up to 30 days. Talk to your physician about the exact amount of time you will need to wear the device.
What do I do with my device when I need to shower or sleep?
The Zio™ Event card is not waterproof!
To remove the device for a shower or bath, carefully unsnap the lead wires from the electrodes and place the recorder in a dry place. If the electrodes are still firmly attached to the skin, you may bathe and then gently pat them dry before snapping the lead wires back on.
If you remove the electrodes for showering or bathing or if they come off, use new electrodes provided in the kit. Be sure the skin is clean. Connect the wire from the device to the new electrode and carefully place the electrode on the skin according to the instructions included in the kit or from your physician.
The device is intended to be worn while sleeping. If the electrodes need to be replaced after a night of sleep, follow the instructions included in the kit or from your physician.
What do I do with the device when I am done?
When the monitoring period has been completed, place the device in the postage-paid envelope provided and return it to iRhythm Technologies. The envelope may be dropped in any U.S. Mailbox.
What happens after I mail in my device?
iRhythm will properly dispose of your device and send it to a recycling plant. 100% of your device will be recycled.