Zio® XT Cardiac Monitor at Edinburgh Hospital

What is a Zio® XT cardiac monitor? 

The Zio® XT is an external, non-invasive ECG (electrocardiogram) monitor that records your heart rhythm for up to 14 days. 

Who is suitable for a Zio® XT cardiac monitor?

It is typically used on patients who may be asymptomatic or who may suffer from short-lived symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, light-headedness, presyncope, syncope, fatigue, or anxiety. It's also suitable for any patient requiring ambulatory cardiac monitoring.

What does the test involve? 

The Zio® XT cardiac monitor requires less than 5 minutes of topical skin preparation to ensure good contact between the device and the skin. The patient presses the button on the Zio® XT whenever they experience symptoms during the wear time.

As the Zio® XT is an external, non-invasive ECG monitor there is no pain experienced and no recovery process from having it fitted.

Specific risks and complications of using a Zio® XT cardiac monitor

During very hot weather or excessive exercise when the patient may perspire heavily, there is a risk of the Zio XT monitor falling off before the end of the prescribed wear time. This however poses no safety risk to patients.