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A Zio XT heart monitor is a small patch heart monitor worn on your chest for 2 weeks. It is a type of heart monitor that can be worn while you continue with your everyday activities. It is free from wires and doesn’t need recharging.
You may need a Zio XT patch monitor if you have been having palpitations or fluttering in your chest. Sometimes, palpitations are described as a racing heart or pounding in the chest.
The Zio XT is prescribed to diagnose many types of arrhythmias, including the most common arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF). They can also diagnose intermittent atrial fibrillation, called paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Occasionally, a Zio XT patch is even prescribed if you are not having symptoms. This is to rule out abnormal heart rhythms.
Sometimes, the patch monitor is prescribed for loss of consciousness, shortness of breath and chest pain. These symptoms can be caused by a change in your heart’s rhythm, such as ventricular tachycardia (VT), slow heart rhythm (bradycardia) or pauses.
If you are having symptoms such as these, you can make an appointment to see a cardiologist, who will likely recommend that you have a heart monitor to check your heart’s rhythm.
You will need to see your family GP first to get a referral to see a Consultant privately if you are planning to use your medical insurance.
A Zio XT is a small heart monitor that sticks to the skin on your chest for up to two weeks. During its fitting, a healthcare practitioner will prepare your skin by cleaning and exfoliating the surface and shaving any hairs on your chest so the device can stick to you properly.
While you wear the patch, every heart beat trace will be stored as data on the device for a cardiac technician to review and report back to your doctor.
The patch remains on your chest every day for the full two weeks. You can shower and bathe with the device on, but it must not be submerged. You may continue with all your normal activities including exercise, but avoid strenuous exercise in the first 24-48 hours to ensure that the patch is fully attached to your skin. Heavily sweating can cause the device to fall off in the first day or so.
Once your recording is complete, you can remove the device yourself using the patch removal wipe.
The Zio XT patch can be easily returned to iRhythm for analysis and review using the prepaid box. It can be posted back using your local postbox. There is no need to go back into the hospital.
Depending on whether you have medical insurance or intend to self-pay, what you pay can vary slightly. You will need to enquire with your chosen hospital’s outpatient department for a price for this device.
Support while you are wearing the Zio XT patch
While you are wearing the device, you may have questions or need help, the device is produced and supported by a company called iRhythm, they are available 24 hours a day, all year round.
iRhythm have a free phone number and an email address and you can contact their team at any time for assistance. iRhythm phone number: 0808 189 3411.
Email: [email protected].
More information can be found on their website: irhythmtech.co.uk.
Make an appointment with your GP or cardiologist and describe your symptoms clearly and how often they occur. Your doctor will likely ask you about any family history of heart problems, your medical history and which medicines you take.
Following this consultation, they will discuss necessary tests, medicine changes or treatment that would be recommended for you.
