Ambulatory ECG recording
This is a non-invasive procedure where sticky patches are placed on the chest for a period of usually 24 hours, allowing monitoring of the electrical activities of the heart to detect any rhythm abnormalities in patients complaining of palpitations, light-headedness or loss of consciousness. In patients where symptoms do not occur every day monitors can be fitted for longer (up to 7 days). If symptoms are even less frequent than this, then an ‘event recorder’ can be given to the person. These are also non-invasive and allow the person to record a few minutes of electrical activity at any time they wish, simply by holding the monitor between the fingertips or pressing it to their chest, and activating it.