Who needs a long-term ECG?

A long-term ECG is mainly performed if cardiac arrhythmia is suspected. In routine clinical diagnostics, ECG examinations are frequently used, but only for a few seconds to minutes. Many cardiac arrhythmias can be very pronounced and clinically relevant, but are not noticeable in a short examination.

Patients often notice symptoms such as palpitations, which occur only rarely and are therefore unlikely to be detected in a conventional ECG. The most important indications for which a long-term ECG is recommended are tachycardia, palpitations, and circulatory problems up to fainting fits, also called “syncope”. A long-term ECG can determine exactly what type of cardiac arrhythmia occurs and when and how often it occurs.

Patients with previously known heart diseases are also advised to have a long-term ECG to assess their current heart rhythm disturbances. Theoretically, a long-term ECG can also be used to determine a permanent circulatory disorder. However, for clinical diagnostics this plays a rather minor role.

Can I shower with it?

You should not take a shower with a long-term ECG. Showering itself does not influence the possibilities of ECG recording, but the measuring device and the electrodes glued to the upper body must not get wet. In contrast to the long-term blood pressure monitor, the long-term ECG cannot be taken off for a short time, as the measurement is permanent.

If the device is removed while showering, part of the measurement is missing. In addition, there is the danger that the electrodes may become detached by the water on the upper body. It is recommended to take a shower before starting the long-term ECG measurement and to keep the 24 hours without close contact to water. Of course, you can clean the most necessary things with a sponge. Only the areas involved in the measurement must remain dry.

Can you work with it?

Normal everyday work can and should be performed during long-term ECG recording. It is important for the assessment of heart activity to live a normal everyday life in order not to falsify the results. However, hectic, abrupt and particularly physically demanding work must be performed with caution.

For heavy work, care must be taken not to tear off the loosely attached electrodes.Similarly, heavy physical work can also alter the recording by affecting the heart. This includes mainly manual work, for example on a construction site. Vibrating work can also influence the function of the device.

Drilling machines, pneumatic hammers and the like falsify the results. In addition to tools, everyday objects, such as an electric razor or hair dryer, can also have a negative effect on the recording. The recorder does not pose any obstacles whatsoever for office work. The measurements remain unnoticed by the patient and nothing stands in the way of normal work within the 24 hours.