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Electrocardiology

Electrocardiology

Electrocardiology, involves monitoring and recording the heart’s electrical activity over a period of time. Learn more about the various types of heart monitors used at Queen’s Heart, which provide our heart specialists with a unique look at your individual heart’s performance.

14-Day ECG Monitor

The 14-day ECG monitor is used to detect abnormal heart beats that may occur infrequently. Like the Holter monitor, it records how your heart is working over a two-week period. You wear this portable monitor during your normal daily activities, including during exercise, sleeping and bathing.

The results of this test can also be used to help your doctor determine how well your heart medicines are working.

What to Expect During the Test

The 14-day ECG monitor is a small patch, about 2 inches x 5 inches in size. The patch adheres to the surface of your chest, much like the electrode pads used in a traditional EKG. There are no wires to worry about and you can continue all your normal daily activities while wearing this monitor.

You will not be able to shower or bathe for the first 24 hours after the monitor is applied to your skin.

After the Test

Should you experience chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, pain in your jaw or back or dizziness please call 9-1-1.

After wearing the monitor for 14 days, please mail the monitor back using the self-addressed mailing envelope that was provided. If you have any questions while wearing the monitor, please call 808-691-4535.

Preparing for Your Test

  • Transportation: No special preparations are required for this test.
  • Food and Drink: No special preparations are required for this test.
  • Medications: No special preparations are required for this test.
  • Clothing: Wear loose clothing (shirt or blouse) to your appointment when monitor is placed and while you wear the device.
  • Check-in Time: Please arrive on time for your appointment.

Appointment and Pre-Registration Required

Call the Queen’s Pre-Registration Department at 808-691-4960 three days before your scheduled test to update your registration. Please have your medical insurance cards ready for verification.

Electrocardiogram

An Electrocardiogram, also called EKG or ECG, determines how well the electrical system of your heart is working. It records the speed, regularity, strength and timing of electrical signals as they pass through each part of your heart. These natural electronic signals cause the heart to contract and pump blood throughout your body. The process repeats with each new heartbeat. Your doctor uses the EKG/ECG to record current heart function, but can use it to detect many heart-related problems like arrhythmias (problems related to the rate and rhythm of the heart beat) or poor blood flow through the heart.

What to Expect During the Test

Twelve adhesive electrode pads are placed on your chest, shoulders and legs, to measure the electrical activity of your heart, which is viewed on a monitor. The impulses of your heart are then recorded on a graph paper and sent to your doctor.

This test is painless and involves no risk. It takes about 15 minutes to place the electrodes and complete the test.

Preparing for Your Test

  • Transportation: No special preparations are required for this test.
  • Food and Drink: No special preparations are required for this test.
  • Medications: No special preparations are required for this test.
  • Clothing: Wear a shirt that can be easily removed. For women, avoid wearing full-length hosiery as electrodes need to be placed directly on the legs.
  • Check-in Time: Please arrive on time for your appointment.

Holter Monitor

Primarily used to detect abnormal heart beats, a 24-hour or 48-hour Holter Monitor works like a continuous Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG); it records how your heart is working over a 24- or 48-hour period. You wear this portable monitor during your normal daily activities, including while exercising and sleeping.

The results of this test can also be used to help your doctor determine how well your heart medicines are working.

What to Expect During the Test

Like an EKG/ECG, the Holter Monitor has small patches that are stuck onto your chest. These patches are connected by wires, called leads, to a small recording monitor that you carry in a pocket, pouch or on a belt around your waist.

Our technicians will also show you how to replace the patches or wires should they come loose.

After the Test

While you are wearing the monitor, you will have to write down what activities you are doing and how you are feeling at the time.

While wearing the device, do not shower, bathe or submerge the device into water.

After wearing the monitor for the time frame specified by your physician, you will return the monitor to our office at Queen’s Heart. No appointment is necessary for your monitor return.

Preparing for Your Test

  • Transportation: No special preparations are required for this test.
  • Food and Drink: No special preparations are required for this test.
  • Medications: No special preparations are required for this test.
  • Clothing: Wear loose clothing (shirt or blouse) to your appointment when monitor is placed and while you wear the device.
  • Check-in Time: Please arrive on time for your appointment.

Appointment and Pre-Registration Required

Call the Queen’s Pre-Registration Department at 808-691-4960 three days before your scheduled test to update your registration. Please have your medical insurance cards ready for verification.

Event Monitor

The Event monitor is used to detect abnormal heart beats that may occur infrequently. Like the Holter monitor, it records how your heart is working over a 30 day period. You wear this portable monitor during your normal daily activities, including during exercise, sleeping and bathing.

The results of this test can also be used to help your doctor determine how well your heart medicines are working.

What to Expect During the Test

Like an EKG/ECG, the Event Monitor has small patches that are stuck onto your chest. These patches are connected by wires, called leads, to a small recording monitor that you carry in a pocket, pouch or on a belt around your waist.

Our technicians will also show you how to replace the patches or wires should they come loose.

After the Test

While you are wearing the monitor, you will have to write down what activities you are doing and how you are feeling at the time.

You will be given instructions on how to shower with the Event monitor.

After wearing the monitor for the time frame specified by your physician, you will return the monitor to our office at Queen’s Heart. No appointment is necessary for your monitor return.

Preparing for Your Test

  • Transportation: No special preparations are required for this test.
  • Food and Drink: No special preparations are required for this test.
  • Medications: No special preparations are required for this test.
  • Clothing: Wear loose clothing (shirt or blouse) to your appointment when monitor is placed and while you wear the device.
  • Check-in Time: Please arrive on time for your appointment.

Appointment and Pre-Registration Required

Call the Queen’s Pre-Registration Department at 808-691-4960 three days before your scheduled test to update your registration. Please have your medical insurance cards ready for verification.