HeartBug
What is HeartBug?
The HeartBug is a small long-term cardiac event monitoring device that is worn for up to 28 days.
The device will constantly monitor your ECG (the electrical activity of your heart) and will automatically make recordings of any irregularities (such as arrhythmia) detected. It is the size of a 50 cent coin, is extremely light and attaches directly to the body with two small ECG stickers.
All recordings are automatically uploaded via your mobile phone and analysed by expert cardiologists. HeartBug is ideal for:
- Investigating symptoms which only occur occasionally
- Investigation of fainting and dizziness
- Looking for atrial fibrillation (AF)
Preparing for your visit
- Please note that patients will be required to remove their shirt above the waist for the procedure and will be provided with a disposable gown.
- A technician will attach the HeartBug to you.
- Remember to bring your smartphone (Apple or Android) and our staff will help you to install an app. If you are not sure how to use a mobile phone, please bring a family member or helper with you on the day.
- You will be asked to wear a HeartBug for up to 28 days, and you will be informed via SMS when it’s finished. During this period, you should keep the HeartBug on at all times, including when showering.
- You will also be provided with an envelope and extra ECG stickers which need to be changed weekly.
- After 28 days, the HeartBug should be removed and posted back to us using the prepaid envelope given to you by the clinic.
- Please do not lose or damage the device as there will be a replacement fee.
- Avoid wearing very tight or restrictive clothing as the device needs to maintain good contact with the skin for an accurate reading.
- Avoid activities that may cause significant impact or pressure on the area where the HeartBug is placed.
- Avoid strong electromagnetic fields, such as MRI machines or certain electronic devices.
- Please let our staff know if you have had previous allergic reactions to electrode adhesives. Hypoallergenic electrodes can be requested through the app and will be sent to your home.
- If a lead becomes dislodged, just put it back on and let us know. One dislodged lead rarely causes invalid results, but multiple or frequent lead dislodgements may mean we need to repeat the test.
- HeartBug is not a 24/7 emergency service and is not intended for life-threatening situations. Always call 000 in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
The HeartBug is worn for up to 28 days (around a month), which is the same kind of long-term test many people mean by a “30-day heart monitor”. Wearing it over several weeks gives your cardiologist a much longer recording than a standard 24-hour test.
The HeartBug continuously monitors your ECG and automatically saves a recording whenever it detects an irregularity, so you don’t need to do anything. It isn’t an emergency service. Always call 000 in an emergency.
A Holter monitor records your heart continuously, usually over 24 hours, while the HeartBug is worn for up to 28 days and automatically captures irregularities as they happen. Your doctor will recommend whichever test best suits the symptoms they’re investigating.
As mentioned, if a lead becomes dislodged, simply reattach it and let us know. One dislodged lead rarely affects your results, however frequent dislodgements may mean the test needs to be repeated.
Other Cardiology Services
24hr Holter
Monitor
A 24-hour Holter monitor service provides continuous heart rhythm monitoring to detect irregularities or assess ongoing conditions.
Echocardiogram
(TTE)
A stress echocardiogram evaluates heart function and blood flow during exercise to assess cardiovascular health under exertion.
Stress
Echocardiogram
A stress echocardiogram evaluates heart function and blood flow during exercise to assess cardiovascular health under exertion.
