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Cardiolucent

Procedure

Ambulatory EKG monitor (2-week wearable)

Diagnostics & Exams

The 2-week ambulatory EKG monitor is a small, comfortable adhesive patch worn on the upper left chest that continuously records every heartbeat for up to 14 days. Unlike a standard EKG — which captures only 10 seconds — this monitor records during your real life: at work, asleep, exercising, after coffee, during stressful moments. That extended window is what allows Dr. Kedan to catch intermittent arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, SVT, or unexplained pauses that come and go unpredictably. It is also one of the most reliable ways to correlate symptoms — palpitations, dizziness, near-fainting — with what the heart is actually doing at that moment.

What's Included

  • Wearable adhesive patch applied in the office
  • Continuous 14-day recording during all normal activity
  • Patient-triggered symptom button to time-stamp events
  • Automated arrhythmia detection plus full disclosure analysis
  • Day-versus-night heart rate trending
  • Comprehensive report personally reviewed by Dr. Kedan
  • Follow-up visit to walk through findings and treatment plan

How It's Performed

The patch is applied in our Beverly Hills office in a few minutes. There are no wires, no leads to manage, and nothing to charge. You go about your normal routine — work, exercise, sleep — and you can shower with it on (no swimming or submerging). Whenever you feel a symptom, you press the button on the patch to time-stamp the recording. When the recording period ends, you peel the patch off and mail it back in a prepaid envelope.

How to Prepare

  • Wear or bring a top that opens easily so the patch can be placed on the upper left chest.
  • Shower the morning of the appointment — you can't fully submerge once it's on.
  • Don't apply lotions, oils, or powders to the chest on the day of placement.
  • Keep a brief log of any unusual symptoms and the time they occur.
  • Continue all medications normally unless told otherwise.

What to Expect After

After you mail the patch back, the recording is processed and a comprehensive report is generated — typically within a week to ten days. Dr. Kedan reviews the report personally, calls out any meaningful findings, and discusses them with you at a follow-up visit along with a clear plan. The only common side effect is mild skin irritation under the adhesive in patients with sensitive skin, which resolves within a day or two of patch removal.

Indications

  • Unexplained palpitations or skipped beats
  • Intermittent dizziness or near-fainting
  • Fainting (syncope) of suspected cardiac origin
  • Screening for atrial fibrillation after stroke or in high-risk patients
  • Assessing efficacy of a rate- or rhythm-control medication
  • Post-procedure monitoring after ablation or cardioversion
  • Evaluation of bradycardia or suspected conduction disease

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 2-week ambulatory EKG monitor?
It's a small, comfortable, adhesive patch worn on the chest that continuously records every heartbeat for up to 14 days. Unlike a standard EKG — which captures only 10 seconds — the ambulatory monitor records during your normal life: at work, asleep, exercising, after coffee, during stressful meetings. That extended window is what allows us to catch arrhythmias that come and go unpredictably.
Why would Dr. Kedan order extended rhythm monitoring?
Common reasons include unexplained palpitations, intermittent dizziness, episodes of feeling like the heart is racing or skipping, fainting or near-fainting spells, and screening for atrial fibrillation in patients with stroke or risk factors. It's also useful for confirming the efficacy of a rate- or rhythm-control medication, and for monitoring after a procedure.
How do I wear and care for the monitor?
The patch sits on the upper left chest and is applied in the office in a few minutes. You go about your normal routine — work, exercise, sleep — and you can shower with it on (no swimming or submerging). There are no wires, no leads to manage, and nothing to charge. When the recording period ends, you peel the patch off and mail it back in a prepaid envelope.
Is it uncomfortable to wear for two weeks?
Most patients adapt within a day and forget it's there. The patch is lightweight and contoured to lie flat under clothing. Mild skin irritation can occasionally develop under the adhesive; if that happens, we can advise on positioning adjustments. There is no pain or sensation from the recording itself.
What if I have an episode while wearing it?
The patch has a button you press whenever you feel a symptom — palpitations, dizziness, chest sensation. That action time-stamps the recording so Dr. Kedan can correlate exactly what your heart was doing at the moment you felt it. Pairing symptoms with rhythm is often the single most valuable piece of data from this study.
Can I exercise, drive, and travel with the monitor on?
Yes to all three. The whole point is to capture your real life. Normal activity — including driving, exercise, and travel — is encouraged, since any of those triggers could reveal the rhythm we're trying to find.
What can the monitor detect?
Atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular ectopy and tachycardia, pauses, conduction abnormalities, and the overall heart-rate trend across day and night. It also quantifies how often abnormalities occur and how long they last — information that meaningfully shapes treatment decisions.
Are there any risks?
Essentially none. The monitor is recording-only — it doesn't deliver any electrical signal. The only common side effect is mild skin irritation under the adhesive in patients with sensitive skin.
When will I get the results?
After the patch is returned, the recording is processed and a comprehensive report is generated — typically within a week to ten days. Dr. Kedan reviews the report personally, calls out any meaningful findings, and discusses them with you at a follow-up visit (in person or virtually) along with a clear plan.
Is the monitor covered by insurance?
Cardiolucent does not accept Medicare or insurance and bills patients directly. We provide a detailed superbill that you can submit to your insurer for out-of-network reimbursement; coverage depends on your specific plan. To discuss whether extended rhythm monitoring fits your situation, call (310) 304-5555.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.