Zio® XT Cardiac Monitor at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's 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.

Are there any alternative procedures?

There are two other options available:

• Holter ECG monitors offer short 24 – 48hr monitoring and are more obtrusive having electrodes with external wires attached to a recorder (non-invasive).
• Implantable Loop Recorders (ILRs) offer longer-term monitoring, for up to 3 years. There is no patient button to landmark symptoms on the rhythm strip. This is an invasive procedure as the device requires a clinician for implantation and extraction.