ZIO ECG patch

A standard Holter monitor is usually worn for 24 to 48 hours, and symptoms that come and go can easily be missed in that time. The ZIO patch records every heartbeat for up to 14 days, which gives a much better chance of catching what happens when you feel unwell. It is used for:

• palpitations that come and go
• dizziness or blackouts
• looking for atrial fibrillation that comes and goes

NICE, which advises the NHS on which treatments and tests work, has looked at the ZIO XT patch. It found that the patch is convenient and easy to wear, and that it diagnoses more heart rhythm problems than standard 24 hour Holter monitoring.

The patch sticks to the upper left side of your chest. It has no wires or leads and is worn under your clothes, so it is more discreet than a Holter monitor. Because it is water resistant, you can shower or bathe and carry on with exercise and your normal daily life while it records.

Whenever you feel a symptom, press the button on the patch. That marks the moment, so it can be matched with your heart rhythm.

When the wearing time is over, you peel the patch off and post it back in the prepaid packaging. Each patch is used once only. The recording is analysed by accredited cardiac technicians, and a report of any rhythm problems, and of the moments you pressed the button, goes to Dr Vasudeva, who interprets the findings and goes through them with you.

For symptoms that happen more often, a shorter recording with an ambulatory ECG monitor may be all that is needed.