As with a standard ECG, the heart activity of a patient is recorded with sensors on the skin during long-term ECG monitoring. The ECG device is carried by the patient for at least 18, usually 24, but sometimes even 72 hours. Due to its small size, it is possible to carry the device on a belt, for example, without causing any discomfort; however, it is necessary to go without bathing and showering for this period of time. The changes in electrical potentials in the heart are recorded on a memory card and then read out at the doctor’s practice.
A long-term ECG provides insight into the behavior of the heart in the everyday life of the patient, under different levels of stress and when the patient is asleep. The patient must therefore log daily activities in order to allow for correlations to be made between activities and the ECG.
Cardiologists can read the following from the changes in electrical potentials in the heart, among others:
- Heart rate and arrhythmias
- Unexplained unconsciousness (syncope)
- Function of a pacemaker
- Progress of medicinal treatment for arrhythmias