ABSTRACT
Transtelephonic event recording is similar to ambulatory recording but is more useful for documenting heart rate and rhythm when
patients either wear the recording device continuously for several days or weeks or briefly attach it to themselves during symptoms. The ECG is permanently stored in memory when the device is activated during symptoms by the patient. In most cases, continuous loop recorders record the ECG obtained 30 seconds to 4 minutes before the activation button is depressed. This feature is useful in patients whose symptoms are brief or of sudden onset. When convenient, the ECG then can be transmitted over the telephone for evaluation. In most cases, depending on the specific population of patients in which the device is used, about 20% of transmissions document abnormal heart rhythm. However, even when completely normal, transmissions can be helpful for patient management when a normal rhythm is identified. Implantable loop event recorders also may be used when symptoms are more infrequent or are of such sudden onset that activation is not possible. These devices, which are implanted subcutaneously in the pectoral region, can be programmed to provide information regarding rhythm disturbances over several months.
