Heart rhythm monitor
A small monitor you wear for days to record every heartbeat - catching irregular rhythms like AFib that come and go.
TypeWearable heart-rhythm recorder
HowA patch on your chest (or small device with leads) worn for 1–14 days while you go about life.
How oftenWhen symptoms need explaining.
BeforeNote when symptoms happen during the recording.
WhoPeople with palpitations, dizziness, fainting or suspected AFib.
Catching symptoms that come and go
Palpitations or dizziness rarely happen during a 10-second ECG. A rhythm monitor records every heartbeat for days or weeks, so the cause is caught when it happens.
Holter
“Symptoms every day?”
Worn for 1–2 days.
Short
Patch monitor
“Symptoms every week or so?”
A sticker worn for up to two weeks - you can shower with it.
Longer
Event or implantable
“Rare symptoms?”
Records over weeks to years for infrequent episodes.
Longest
Note the time of any symptoms - matching them to the recording is what makes the test useful.
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You feel palpitations or skipped beats that a normal ECG didn’t catch.
- You’ve had dizziness or fainting.
- Your watch flagged a possible irregular rhythm.
- You’ve had a stroke without a clear cause.
A better option if…
- Symptoms are constant right now - a standard ECG may capture them immediately.
- Symptoms are rare (monthly) - a longer event monitor or implantable loop recorder may be needed.
How it’s measured
Holter monitor
24–48 hours with wired leads.
Patch monitor
Up to about 14 days, waterproof, no wires.
Event monitor
Up to 30 days, records when you press a button or it detects a problem.
Smartwatch ECG
Handy for spotting AFib episodes - confirm with a medical-grade recording.
The full picture
What is it?
A portable ECG that records your heart rhythm continuously for days.
What type of test is it?
A wearable heart-rhythm test.
What does it measure?
Every heartbeat’s rhythm and rate over the recording period.
Why might someone consider it?
Many rhythm problems are intermittent and missed by a 10-second ECG.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with unexplained palpitations, dizziness or fainting.
How is it performed?
The device is stuck to your chest; you keep a symptom diary and return it afterwards.
How often might it be considered?
When symptoms need investigating or to check treatment.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether your symptoms line up with a rhythm problem such as AFib or extra beats.
What are its limitations?
Symptoms may not happen during the recording; skin irritation can occur.
What should it be viewed with?
ECG, thyroid function, electrolytes, sleep apnea screening and echocardiogram.
Where to get it
Through your provider
A referral to cardiology or a hospital heart centre.
Cardiology clinics
Most offer this test on site.
Imaging & hospital centres
Some accept self-referral - check coverage first.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Which monitor length makes sense for how often I get symptoms?
- Can my smartwatch data help?
- What happens if AFib is found?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Heart rhythm monitor result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
Refer my providerAlready seeing your provider?
Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Heart rhythm monitor result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test