Zio XT Patch - heart rhythm monitor at Spire Dunedin Hospital

Do you sometimes feel a flutter in your chest or a racing heartbeat? Are you sometimes lightheaded, short of breath or dizzy? It may be due to an irregular heartbeat, or an arrhythmia. Fortunately, there are treatments available for arrhythmias. A simple test like the Zio XT Patch, could be all you need to find out whether or not you have an arrhythmia, and what kind you have. Your physician uses this information to give you the right treatment to control or stop the arrhythmia.

The new ZIO® XT Patch is a continuously recording, wire-free heart monitor that can be worn for up to 14 days, provides high diagnostic yield, prolonged monitoring, high compliance and excellent data quality.

Some avoidable risk factors for heart arrhythmias include obesity, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine or nicotine use.

There are also risk factors that can’t be avoided, such as blocked coronary arteries, changes after a heart attack and congenital heart disease.

Sometimes arrhythmias occur in healthy hearts.

Common cardiac arrhythmias include:

• Sinus tachycardia (fast heart rhythm generally >100bpm at rest)
• Sinus bradycardia (slow heart rhythm generally <60bpm at rest)
• VT (Ventricular tachycardia)
• Atrial Fibrillation
• SVT (Supraventricular tachycardia)
• 1^st degree AV (atrio-ventricular) heart Block
• 2^nd degree AV heart Block (Mobitz Type 1 Wenckebach, Mobitz type 2.)
• 3^rd degree AV complete heart block.

The causes of arrhythmias include:

• Coronary artery disease
• High blood pressure
• Changes in heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
• Valve disorders
• Electrolyte imbalances in the blood, such as sodium or potassium
• Injury from heart attack
• The healing process after heart surgery
• Other medical conditions

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

The patch is fixed onto the chest and can be worn for up to 14 days. Watch the video below to find out more:

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.