Continuous Ambulatory ECG Monitoring

An ambulatory ECG monitor is a small, lightweight device that tracks your heart rhythm as you go about your day. The monitor is discreet, with the wires easily hidden under clothing.

During the test, you should carry out any normal daily activities, keeping the monitor dry at all times.

At Welbeck, continuous ambulatory ECG monitor fitting is performed by our Healthcare Assistant team. They will explain the test to you in full so you know what you need to do.

You can expect the following for continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring:

1. You may be asked to remove your clothing down to the waist (if you’re a woman, you can leave your bra on) so the healthcare assistant can attach the monitor to you.

2. The healthcare assistant will prepare the skin on your chest with an alcohol swab.

3. They’ll then attach small stickers (electrodes) to your chest, to which the monitor and leads are connected.

4. The healthcare assistant will switch on the monitor and check it’s working correctly.

5. They’ll give you a diary sheet to take away with you and fill in as you go. Write down any activities you do and the exact time you do them, along with any symptoms.

6. Once your monitoring period is over, you'll need to return the device. The monitor’s data will then be compared with the form you’ve filled in. This will help your consultant understand what might be going on.

It’s especially important to note down symptoms such as:

• pounding, fluttering or skipped heartbeats

• shortness of breath

• chest pain

• lightheadedness

After the test, it will take a little while to go through all the data collected. Once this is done, your consultant will receive a report and explain your results to you, along with any next steps.

Continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring is very safe. Some people may have minor discomfort or skin irritation where the sensors are placed, but this should settle within a few days after they’ve been removed.

There’s no specific preparation needed, but you won’t be allowed to remove the monitor during the test, including when you sleep. You also cannot get the monitor wet.

It’s a good idea to shower or have a bath before your appointment. If you have chest hair, you may want to shave this area to make sure the electrode patches stick properly. 

There’s no recovery time or aftercare needed.

Please contact our Heart Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our Heart Health specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring, you must be referred by either your GP or a cardiologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a cardiologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.