24 ECG

[Medi32]

Hi everyone!

I had a phone appointment with a lovely cardiology nurse last week, to be honest I was dreading it as recently I've felt I've left appointments with more questions than answers and this woman was lovely and listened and didn't make me feel rushed or silly and gave me lots of answers and reassure. Hope anyone who has phone appointments will feel resurred by this and have as much luck.

She has booked me for a 24hr ECG, which I'm having in a few days and a sleep apnea test in a few weeks and eventually will see the cardiologist in the flesh I think!

Has anyone experienced the 24 he ECG and have any tips? Are you able to wear a bra with it? Does it get in the way when exercising?

[Hidden]

Hi Medi, great hearing that you had a positive experience. I think the test you are referring to is often called a Holter test and there is lots of information about them on Google. As with most things technical they tend to keep developing smaller and more sophisticated units so the one you finally end with is in the lap of the Gods! They will probably fit upto 3 sticky pads at strategic places on your body and these connect with wires to a gizmo box generally smaller than a cigarette packet which is normally attached to a cord around your neck. Everything has to be connected for 24 hours although it mustn’t get wet so you have to remove it when in the shower or bath. They are generally unobtrusive and shouldn’t stop you from doing anything you would normally do. When it’s fitted they will give you a leaflet telling you everything you need to know so don’t worry. As for bra’s, I’m a bloke but it didn’t stop me from wearing mine.....😉

[Loopylou527]

Hi Medi32, I had a 24hr ECG fitted in June. I wore a loose sports bra when I had it fitted (had an echocardiogram at the same time so thought this would be the easier option for on/off capabilities). They put a string on it so I could wear the recorder around your neck but I just put it in my pocket. The little recorder was also in a plastic bag (presumably due to COVID) so couldn’t attach the device to a belt.

I didn’t receive any leaflet but they did tell me I could remove the pads myself and drop the recorder and wires off at the hospital reception after 24 hours. They also told me to not get it wet and not remove it either.

The worst bit was removing the tape/pads as they were extra sticky, ouch and getting comfortable in bed. I am a side sleeper so it took a bit of fidgeting around to get comfy especially on my left side.

You can do whatever you normally do but obviously you are aware that you are wearing one all the time.

Hope that helps.

[39dorisann14]

My test came in the post because the hospital was a no go area. It was a thin strip of a silicone type material with sticky pads to which you fix two terminals also with sticky pads then switch on. I did wear a bra also in bed because it felt safer in case it came off. I posted it back the next day and after a week they telephoned with the result. Had to up my bisoprolol to 10 mgs a day

[Auriculaire]

I have had 2 Holters for 24 hours and was told not to exercise or do anything more energetic than light housework.

[bantam12]

24 hours is easy, try 14 days wearing one 😳

You want a reading from a typical day so just carry on doing what you would normally do. Wear something easy to get on and off but depends on the type you are given, last one I had was just a tiny box attached to an electrode popper with two short leads and I could take it on and off as I needed but others you can't remove, I would advise you ask for hypo allergenic stickies as the others can be itchy ! and yes you can wear a bra.

[Medi32]

Thank you all for this great advice! Will let you know how it goes!