Patient information

Designed with you in mind

Why has my doctor referred me for a Zio XT heart monitor?

Zio is a cardiac monitoring service that is proven to detect irregular heart rhythms quickly and accurately. Because Zio is so discreet and comfortable, you can continue with your daily activities, even showering and exercising, assured that Zio is capturing every heartbeat.

Frequently asked questions about heart conditions

What is an Arrhythmia?

Your heart might beat too slow, too fast, or with an irregular beat. It may feel like skipped beats or a brief pause. It might be so slight that you don’t even feel it or experience any symptoms. You may have an irregular heartbeat or an arrhythmia. Fortunately, there are treatments available for arrhythmias. However before you can begin treatment, the condition must be diagnosed.

A simple, one-time test with the Zio by iRhythm system could be all you need to find out whether or not you have an arrhythmia and what kind you have. Your doctor can then use this data to prescribe the most effective form of treatment.

What causes arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms?

What is atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

Normally, your heart contracts and relaxes to a regular beat. In atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly (quiver) instead of beating effectively to move blood into the ventricles.

What is an ECG?

An electrocardiogram — abbreviated as ECG — is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat. With each beat, an electrical impulse (or “wave”) travels through the heart. This wave causes the muscle to squeeze and pump blood from the heart. A normal heartbeat on ECG will show the timing of the top and lower chambers. For more information please visit the NHS website.

What is ambulatory cardiac monitoring?

More information

Our solution

Continuous, uninterrupted ECG monitoring

Zio XT Patient-friendly Monitor

The Zio service was designed specifically to facilitate high patient compliance and allow data to be recorded uninterrupted and continuously for up to 14 days.

No gaps in data due to patient-centric design

Convenient button to mark episodes

Patients can continue daily activities while wearing the Zio monitor, including showering and exercising.

About us

A simple path to a clear diagnosis

Record

After the comfortable, easy-to-wear Zio monitor is applied, the Zio patch records and stores every single heartbeat.

Analyse

These ECG recordings are analysed by a powerful Zio system that identifies any irregular rhythms you've experienced—how many, what type, and when. In a study, clinicians were able to reach a diagnosis of 90% of the time with the Zio system¹.

A definitive diagnosis to accelerate your care

Your doctor receives a clear report that shows how many and what types of irregular heart rhythms you experienced, as well as your normal heart rhythm, and when they happened — all to help determine the best course of treatment.

Live without restrictions

The Zio ambulatory cardiac monitor is a small, discreet and unobtrusive patch – you might even forget you’re wearing it. The Zio monitor records and stores every beat of your heart, whether you’re sleeping, exercising or showering.

Zio vs. Holter monitoring

Holter monitors are typically worn for 24-48 hours, limiting the time to record any irregular heart rhythm you may have. The Zio monitor can be continuously worn for up to 14 days, constantly capturing your heart rhythm, giving you peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about Zio XT?

What can I do while wearing Zio?

For the first 24 hours post application, please avoid getting the Zio monitor wet or sweating excessively, i.e. during exercise. After that, carry on with regular activities. You can shower and exercise after the first 24 hours. Wear the Zio monitor for the length of time advised by your clinician, but no longer than 14 days. The Zio monitor is recording and storing every heartbeat while you are wearing it. Your clinician uses this data, analysed by iRhythm, to determine the right course of action for you. While working properly, the monitor will not flash or make any sound. If you have any questions, please call iRhythm Customer Services Team on 0808 189 3411.

How do I record a symptom?

The Zio monitor is designed to record every heartbeat. While the Button Press Log is useful, pressing the button indicates that you felt symptoms at that time and will place a mark in the recorded data for analysis. Pressing the button on the Zio monitor when you feel a symptom is important, but the Zio monitor records every heartbeat whether you press the button or not. While recording the Zio monitor will not flash or make any sound. You can ensure it is active and recording by holding down on the button for 10 seconds. A green light will flash indicating it is working, and don’t worry, this won’t be recorded as a symptom.

What do I do with the Zio monitor after wear?

At the end of your instructed wear time it’s very important for you to send it to iRhythm Technologies the day you remove the monitor, so we can analyse your heart activity recorded by the monitor and provide the doctor your comprehensive Zio report. First, follow the monitor removal directions in your Patient Instructions and Button Press Log booklet. Then, simply place the Zio monitor in the convenient postage pre-paid return box, and post it back to us. The return address is already printed on the box. Please be sure to use the blue sticker included in the box to seal the box shut before sending it back to iRhythm.

Who do I call if I have any questions?

"I’ve worn a 24-hour Holter and it was quite a laborious process and it didn’t come to the right diagnosis, the Zio patch was quick and easy and was diagnosed fast, so much better."

Charlotte Miller

Get in touch

Need more information on the Zio service?

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Source: Barrett, P., et al. (2014). Comparison of 24 Hour Holter Monitoring Versus 14 Day Novel Adhesive Patch Electrocardiographic Monitoring. American Journal of Medicine.