Event recorder (King of Hearts)
Event recorders are small devices worn by patients over a couple of weeks with the aim of catching infrequent heart rhythm disturbances. Two self-adhesive patches are attached to the skin on the chest, similar to the twelve used in a 12 lead ECG. These are then connected by wires to the event recorder. The monitor stays on but only records the patient's rhythm when the patient pushes the button. The rhythm is usually saved for several seconds before and after the button is pushed. Once a recording has been made, it is transmitted over the telephone to the heart centre.
The doctor who requested the test will then report the findings of the recording. It may enable the cause of the heart rhythm to be diagnosed.
