Ambulatory ECG Testing
Comprehensive Heart Rhythm Monitoring
at OneMedicine
OneMedicine offers Ambulatory ECG monitoring as part of our advanced cardiovascular diagnostic services. Unlike a standard ECG, which records the heart’s electrical activity for a 10second period, while at rest, an Ambulatory ECG continuously monitors your heart over an extended period—typically 24 to 72 hours or even up to a week.
This test is especially useful for detecting irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may not be captured during a 10 second, resting ECG recording.
What is an Ambulatory ECG?
Ambulatory ECG is a non-invasive test that tracks the electrical activity of your heart while you go about your daily activities, including work, exercise, and sleep. It uses a small, portable device, commonly known as a Holter monitor or patch ECG, which is attached to electrodes placed on your chest. The device continuously records your hearts rhythm, helping to detect any irregularities that may occur intermittently or during physical or emotional stress.
This test is particularly valuable for patients who experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting, which may not occur during a short visit to the clinic. It provides a clearer, more complete picture of your heart’s function over a typical day, and allows for the detection of arrhythmias, palpitations, or other abnormalities that might not be caught in a standard ECG.
Cost
- 24-hour heart monitoring ECG £450
- 48-hour heart monitoring ECG £450
- 72-hour heart monitoring ECG £450
- 7-day heart monitoring ECG £1900
- 14-day heart monitoring ECG £2100
- Focused GP appointment (15 min) £75
- Standard GP appointment (30 min) £120
Why is an Ambulatory ECG Important?
- Detecting irregular heart rhythms: Some heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, may not be present at the time of a standard ECG. An Ambulatory ECG monitors your heart over a longer period, increasing the likelihood of capturing abnormal rhythms that could be missed during a routine exam. These irregularities might explain symptoms like palpitations, fainting spells, or chest discomfort, and help diagnose conditions such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
- Monitoring symptoms in real time: With continuous heart monitoring, the Ambulatory ECG records your heart’s activity throughout your daily life, including periods of physical activity and rest. If you experience symptoms, you can press a button on the device to mark the moment, which helps Dr. Ibrar Ahmed correlate your symptoms with your heart’s rhythm at that time.
- Guiding treatment decisions: The data collected during an Ambulatory ECG provides critical information that helps guide treatment decisions. If abnormalities such as arrhythmias are detected, Dr. Ahmed can recommend medications, lifestyle changes, or further diagnostic testing to address the underlying cause of your symptoms. In some cases, it might also help determine whether more advanced treatments, such as a pacemaker or ablation therapy, are necessary.
- Tracking treatment progress: For patients already diagnosed with heart conditions, an Ambulatory ECG can be used to assess the effectiveness of treatments such as anti-arrhythmic drugs or cardiac procedures. By continuously monitoring your heart over time, the test helps track improvements or identify any remaining issues that need further attention.
Available tests at OneMedicine
Who should get an Ambulatory ECG?
An Ambulatory ECG is recommended for individuals who:
- Experience unexplained symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fainting, or chest pain that are difficult to capture during a standard ECG.
- Have been diagnosed with arrhythmias but require further monitoring to determine the frequency and severity of the condition.
- Are undergoing treatment for heart conditions and need to monitor the effectiveness of medication or other therapies.
- Have had a stroke or other cardiovascular event and require ongoing monitoring of heart rhythm to prevent future complications.
At OneMedicine, we offer a range of Ambulatory ECG options depending on your symptoms and diagnostic needs:
24-hour heart monitoring ECG:
Ideal for detecting short-term irregularities in heart rhythm and diagnosing symptoms such as palpitations or fainting that occur sporadically.
48-hour heart monitoring ECG:
A longer monitoring period increases the chance of capturing intermittent arrhythmias that may not occur every day.
72-hour heart monitoring ECG:
Provides even more comprehensive data for patients whose symptoms may be more spread out or less predictable.
7-day heart monitoring ECG:
For those who experience infrequent symptoms, a full week of heart monitoring allows us to capture rarer episodes of arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythms.
14-day heart monitoring ECG:
For those who experience very infrequent symptoms, a full 2 weeks of heart monitoring allows us to capture more infrequent episodes of arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythms.
Rest assured with Dr. Ibrar Ahmed
At OneMedicine, your Ambulatory ECG is managed by Dr Ibrar Ahmed, a cardiovascular expert with a PhD in Cardiovascular Medicine. Dr. Ahmed’s extensive training and experience in cardiology make him uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat a wide range of heart conditions. His patient-centered approach ensures that each Ambulatory ECG is tailored to your specific symptoms and health needs.
Dr Ahmed will review your Ambulatory ECG data in detail, ensuring that any irregularities are identified and addressed promptly. His expertise in cardiovascular care, combined with advanced diagnostic technology, ensures that you receive the most accurate diagnosis and the best possible treatment plan.
Get seen by Dr Ibrar Ahmed
At OneMedicine, we combine expert cardiovascular care with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to provide you with the most effective care. Whether you need short-term monitoring or more comprehensive, long-term observation, Dr Ibrar Ahmed and his team are here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t wait—book your Ambulatory ECG and consultation at OneMedicine today!
