8 Tips to Get the Most From a Heart Monitor

Your care team should go over the instructions with you. Be sure to let them know if you are allergic to or sensitive to tape or other adhesives on skin. In general, it’s also a good idea to:

1. Wear the monitor as much as you can. Most are intended to be worn all the time, even while you sleep.
2. Make sure the leads (wires) or sensors are secure and in the right position.
3. Avoid getting it wet. Some monitors are water-resistant, meaning that you can take a shower, but taking baths or swimming are not advised while wearing one.
4. Not use oils or creams on the skin near where the sensors are placed. Oils or creams might cause the sensors to come loose. If the device is irritating your skin, let your care team know.
5. Activate a recording as soon as you feel symptoms to mark the time. Many monitors have a button or some other way of telling the device to save information about your heart activity if and when you have symptoms.
6. Keep a diary of symptoms, as well as what you were doing at the time to help give your care team a more complete picture of what you feel, when and if it relates to your heart.
7. Make sure you have a strong Internet connection if the monitor you use sends data for ongoing review and reporting to your care team if anything is  concerning.
8. Ask if you need to avoid magnets, electric blankets or other situations that that could disrupt how well the monitor works.

You can download and print these tips.