Cardiac Monitoring

Keeping an Eye on Your Heart Rhythm

Electrocardiogram printout with a stethoscope resting on it.

Cardiac monitoring is an important tool used to detect heart problems that might not show up during a regular office visit. These tests help your cardiologist understand how your heart is functioning over time and during everyday activities.

At Hawaii Heart Associates, we use several types of cardiac monitoring to identify symptoms and guide treatment:

  • 12-Lead EKG (Electrocardiogram): This quick, in-office test gives a snapshot of your heart’s electrical activity. It can detect arrhythmias, signs of poor blood flow (ischemia), or structural abnormalities.

  • Holter Monitor: A small, portable device you wear for 7-14 days to continuously track your heart rhythm. It’s helpful if your symptoms—like palpitations or dizziness—come and go.

  • Implantable Loop Recorder: An implantable loop recorder is a small device placed under the skin of your chest to monitor your heart’s rhythm over a long period of time. It helps your doctor find the cause of symptoms like fainting or irregular heartbeats by recording your heart’s activity, even when symptoms don’t happen often. The device sends this information to your doctor, so they can better understand your heart and decide on the best treatment for you.

Picture of a cardiac event monitor used to monitor a patient heart rhythm for 7-14 days.

Why You Might Need Cardiac Monitoring:

  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

  • Dizziness or fainting spells

  • Sudden chest discomfort

  • Evaluating existing arrhythmias

What to Expect

Your provider selects the best monitor for your needs. Most are comfortable, wearable, and transmit results to your doctor in real time. Instructions and support are provided onsite.

A gloved hand holding a implantable loop recorder used to monitor a patient heart rhythm for 3 years.