Pre-test instructions
If you are entitled to ambulance transport to and from the hospital, please telephone 08000 323 240 to book your transport.
• Please wear a loose fitting top as you will be required to do a test recording with the monitor before you take it home.
• You will be in our department for approximately 30 minutes.
• After your test, please ask the Cardiac Investigations Unit.
What is a Cardiomemo?
A Cardiomemo is a device which you will take home with you and keep for 2-4 weeks. It is a small portable handheld device for recording the heart rhythm when you experience cardiac symptoms.
The Electrocardiograph (ECG) can provide your doctor with important information about your heart that may require further tests or investigation. The test can help diagnose various symptoms that don’t happen very often or have not previously been picked up by an ECG.
There are no known risks involved with this test. Occasionally some people have an allergic reaction to the electrodes. You should inform the cardiac physiologist on the day of fitting of any previous allergies to ECG electrodes.
Depending upon the type and regularity of symptoms you experience you may be issued with any of the following recorders.
The Cardiocall is a device that you place on your chest. You record your heart rhythm for 1 minute and then send the recording down a phone line to our department giving us the details of the symptoms experienced on the answer machine.
These recordings are then downloaded and reviewed. The recordings may be sent to the hospital at any time, 24 hours a day, but please note that they cannot be reviewed immediately on receipt.
The device can also be used in loop mode so that it can record the heart rhythm before and after you activate it. You will be required to wear this attached to the chest with 2 electrodes for this option.
The Omron is a device that you place on your chest. It records your heart rhythm for 30 seconds. You will receive a diary in which to write the date and details of the symptoms experienced.
The recordings remained stored on the device until you return the monitor to the department where they will be downloaded and reviewed.
Additional information
Any queries about specific problems experienced or general well being should be dealt with in the usual manner e.g. by calling your GP.
Returning the monitor
The monitor must be returned to the cardiac Investigations Unit reception on the date given at the time of fitting (normally after 2 weeks).
Please do not return it over the weekend, only weekdays between 9am and 5pm.
When will I get my results?
Your GP will receive a letter from the consultant usually 4-5 weeks post test. You will however be contacted sooner if appropriate.
