The monitor is a small box about the size of a deck of playing cards, which is usually worn at the patient’s waist. Two wires connect the Event Monitor to electrodes, which are attached to the patient’s torso with adhesive patches.  The electrodes are placed just under the left breast on the rib cage and just under the right shoulder.  (The points of attachment should be varied slightly with each application to avoid skin irritation and the doctor should be informed if the patient is allergic to tape or other adhesives.)

The monitor may be sent to the patient’s home with detailed instructions for use, or it may be given to the patient and demonstrated at the hospital or clinic. It is battery operated, using three AAA batteries, which must be replaced every day.  The electrodes are also replaced daily and must be removed before bathing or swimming.  The patient should wear the Event Monitor at all other times. 

Whenever an “event” occurs, such as heart fluttering, racing, or thumping, irregular heartbeats or palpitations, dizziness, weakness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or fainting spells, the patient is instructed to remain calm and still, push the “Event button” on the front of the monitor, and make a note of the activity that preceded the event.  There is no great rush as the monitor is always scanning and will record the heart’s activity for 30 seconds before the button is pushed for transmission. A high pitched sound will emanate from the monitor for 30 seconds while recording takes place.