What is continuous electrocardiography?

Every normal heartbeat starts in a group of special pacemaker cells in the upper right chamber of the heart. These cells send a regular electrical signal that causes the heart to contract (squeeze) and push blood into other parts of the heart and out to the body. Electrocardiography (also called ECG or EKG) is a painless test that shows the electrical activity of the heart. It can be done to check how strong and regular or irregular your heart is beating, measure the heart rate, and show damage to the heart muscle. It can also be done to check how well heart medicines or a heart pacemaker is working.

How is continuous electrocardiography done?

Before the test:

No preparation is necessary for continuous electrocardiography. The test is usually done while you rest in your hospital bed or walk around in your room.

During the test:

Small, sticky pads will be placed on the skin of your chest. Long wires, called leads, will be attached to the pads. The wires will be connected to a machine in your room or to a small machine that you can wear in a pocket. If you have a small machine, the signals will be sent to a monitor that is watched closely. You will be able to move around with continuous cardiac monitoring as much as your healthcare provider allows.

After the test:

• There is no special recovery needed after continuous electrocardiography.
• You may stay in the hospital for a few hours or several days, depending on your condition and your test results.
• While you are in the hospital, you will be checked often by nursing staff.
• Your provider will use your test results to make a plan for your care. If you go home from the hospital after this test, call 911 if you have:
  • Chest pain or pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back (may feel like indigestion or heartburn)
  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders, or in your back, neck, jaw, or stomach
  • Trouble breathing
  • Breaking out in a cold sweat for no known reason
  • Along with the previous symptoms, feeling very tired, faint, or sick to your stomach
  • Feeling like your heart is beating too fast, too slow, or skipping beats
• Call your healthcare provider if you have questions about the test.

What does the test result mean?

This test is only one part of a larger picture that includes your medical history and current health. Talk to your healthcare provider about your result and any follow up care you may need.

If your test results are not normal, ask your healthcare provider:

• If you need additional tests
• If you need treatment, and if so what your treatment plan choices are
• If you need to make any lifestyle changes to keep your heart healthy