7 Day Heart Monitor—Dr. Natale

I called Dr.Natale’s office to schedule my annual 7 day heart monitor. I had only one option in the past and that was the Vital Connect monitor. There are 3 options now: the Vital Connect, the Bardy Cam and the Zio patch. The Bardy Cam does not require a phone and the patch is placed vertically on the center of the chest, directly over the sternum as
opposed to the Vital Connect patch which is angled on the upper left chest. Only the patch on the Vital Connect states it is medically grade hypoallergenic. The Bardy Cam is
marketed as having optimal p-wave capture. I know Dr. Natale prefers that monitor, but the patient can get the one they want. I am leading toward the Vital Connect because I have skin sensitivity and have been able to tolerate that patch for 7 days. I do not know if I could tolerate the Bardy Cam, especially vertically on the sternum. Has anyone used the Bardy Cam and, if so, how did the patch work for you?

I’ll be following this post for information. I’m also due for 7 day, first time, thru Dr Natale in March.

I developed an adhesive sensitivity after wearing a Holter Monitor for 30 days, twice, Summer of 2021 and Summer of 2022, before being diagnosed with a fib. I get red bumps where the monitor wires/patches go and on my fingers. They multiply and take weeks to go away even with prescription steroid creams. I even have to wear the blue medical type gloves when using tape or other products with adhesives. Second go round with the Holter they gave me the sensitive patches and same result. It was awful and has triggered a sensitivity that won’t and hasn’t gone away.

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Qwackertoo
I’ll be following this post for information. I’m also due for 7 day, first time, thru Dr Natale in March.

I developed an adhesive sensitivity after wearing a Holter Monitor for 30 days, twice, Summer of 2021 and Summer of 2022, before being diagnosed with a fib. I get red bumps where the monitor wires/patches go and on my fingers. They multiply and take weeks to go away even with prescription steroid creams. I even have to wear the blue medical type gloves when using tape or other products with adhesives. Second go round with the Holter they gave me the sensitive patches and same result. It was awful and has triggered a sensitivity that won’t and hasn’t gone away.

I have sensitivity to the patches but not like you have. I expressed that concern to the person that schedules these. He said that Dr.Natale understands the issue with folks who have trouble with a 7 day patch and he can still get the data he needs with fewer days on the monitor. I think that is good news and, hopefully, he can work with your situation. I am leaning toward the Vital Connect because I think I can wear that patch the longest.

Good luck with this.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/21/2026 04:02PM by Pixie.

I too am about to schedule my annual monitor. I do not like wearing. I always have issues with adhesion because I sweat, and bathing is a challenge.

Does anyone have knowledge of how insurance companies handle the monitor now that we have a choice? Or can anyone compare adhesion properties between the Zio and the Bardy Cam?

I’m have severe skin sensitivity and I like the Bardy Cam. They sprayed a skin adhesive on the monitor and then sprayed the adhesive on my skin. It worked. It was mid summer in the east coast and very humid and the strip stayed on without any redness or blisters or bleeding.

I’m very allergic to anything that adheres to my body-steri-strips will make my skin look raw like a dog chewed it (words of the ER doctor), most stitches I’m allergic to and most electrodes used for EKG’s.

I had no problems with the Bardy Cam.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/21/2026 09:11PM by susan.d.

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susan.d
I’m have severe skin sensitivity and I like the Bardy Cam. They sprayed a skin adhesive on the monitor and then sprayed the adhesive on my skin. It worked. It was mid summer in the east coast and very humid and the strip stayed on without any redness or blisters or bleeding.


Interesting about the spray they used, Susan. Since the monitor will be mailed to me, I am wondering if that is something one could do at home if they had a spray with instructions on how to use it or if that needs clinical guidance. Did you wear the monitor for 7 days?

Just an FYI, I decided to stay with the Vital Connect monitor because that has worked for me in the past. According to their website, less than 1% of users have had side effects from the patch. I was told that the adhesive spray that Susan mentioned is usually applied in a medical setting rather than at home because if done incorrectly, it could interfer with the monitoring. I did not want to risk that.

If you do go with the Bardy Cam, please let me know how that works for you.

Susan - Does the Bardy Cam only get placed in a doctor office or is it similar to a Zio where they mail it all to you? Thanks.

Mine was placed at the cardiologist’s office

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AB Page
Susan - Does the Bardy Cam only get placed in a doctor office or is it similar to a Zio where they mail it all to you? Thanks.

I just read that Susan got hers in the cardiologist’s office. A doctor can also order it and have it sent to the patient so no office visit is needed.

Considering how many people have skin issues with medical adhesives, it baffles me why none of the monitor manufacturers offer a chest strap option. Chest straps have been standard fare for sports heart rate monitors for years and they work just fine. They're not affected by sweating or getting them wet, they cause no skin irritation, they're not uncomfortable, and they're cheap.

Pixie thank you for that info. Nice to know perhaps there is another option to choose from. Carey makes a nice point, an elastic band/strap would be great. Maybe could even be removed for bathing.

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Pixie

I have sensitivity to the patches but not like you have. I expressed that concern to the person that schedules these. He said that Dr.Natale understands the issue with folks who have trouble with a 7 day patch and he can still get the data he needs with fewer days on the monitor. I think that is good news and, hopefully, he can work with your situation. I am leaning toward the Vital Connect because I think I can wear that patch the longest.

Good luck with this.

Pixie,

First summer wearing the Monitor I thought it was a new variety of flowers I had planted in my mailbox area garden and thought it was the leaves etc when deadheading them.

Second summer still didn't know and the red bumps are usually delayed by a few days so then realized it was the adhesives.

I think it is worst on the palms of the hands and there is a name for it, although with 30 long days they eventually appeared on the 4 areas of the chest.

I guess with the 7 days it is just a one patch self contained monitoring device? Haven't read up on it yet vs the Holter. Hopefully only 7 days on my chest it won't get too bad and I'll attach and remove it with the medical gloves on. I'm pretty sure they will especially be looking at my continued PAC burden which now seems to occur the first 2 hours of most mornings with a higher HRV and rate/rhythm with the beat-to-beat from my Apple Watch, I just hope burden isn't too high but don't know what they would do next IF anything. Currently after Ablation 1, 6 weeks later extra Ablaction/touch up and the Watchman, I take no heart medications other than 1/2 doses of 5 mg Eliquis.

Carey's suggestion of the chest strap style sure would be great~!!!

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Qwackertoo


I have sensitivity to the patches but not like you have. I expressed that concern to the person that schedules these. He said that Dr.Natale understands the issue with folks who have trouble with a 7 day patch and he can still get the data he needs with fewer days on the monitor. I think that is good news and, hopefully, he can work with your situation. I am leaning toward the Vital Connect because I think I can wear that patch the longest.

Good luck with this.

Pixie,

First summer wearing the Monitor I thought it was a new variety of flowers I had planted in my mailbox area garden and thought it was the leaves etc when deadheading them.

Second summer still didn't know and the red bumps are usually delayed by a few days so then realized it was the adhesives.

I think it is worst on the palms of the hands and there is a name for it, although with 30 long days they eventually appeared on the 4 areas of the chest.

I guess with the 7 days it is just a one patch self contained monitoring device? Haven't read up on it yet vs the Holter. Hopefully only 7 days on my chest it won't get too bad and I'll attach and remove it with the medical gloves on. I'm pretty sure they will especially be looking at my continued PAC burden which now seems to occur the first 2 hours of most mornings with a higher HRV and rate/rhythm with the beat-to-beat from my Apple Watch, I just hope burden isn't too high but don't know what they would do next IF anything. Currently after Ablation 1, 6 weeks later extra Ablaction/touch up and the Watchman, I take no heart medications other than 1/2 doses of 5 mg Eliquis.

Carey's suggestion of the chest strap style sure would be great~!!!

I am sorry you experienced a reaction. I think there are alot of folks who do. The three monitors I mentioned in my post use only one patch. The placement of each patch is a little diferent. The Vital Connect monitor comes with a phone that is described as “a wearable VitalPatch biosensor to collect and transmit real-time, continuous physiological data (ECG, heart rate, respiration, temp, posture) to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. The phone, running the VistaPoint app, acts as a gateway to securely transfer data to the cloud for clinical review”.I do not mind that the phone comes with this monitor. You can be out of cellular data range for a specific number of hours and when you get back into data range, data on the patch is transmitted to the phone.

There are pros and cons. Like you, I like Carey’s suggestion!!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/28/2026 02:09AM by Pixie.

Thanks for the additional information, Pixie.

I have an Echo scheduled soon, by local provider, on orders from Natale after December TEE.

Then the 7 day sent/schedule from Austin in March.

I hope all goes with your Monitoring~!!!

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Qwackertoo
Thanks for the additional information, Pixie.

I have an Echo scheduled soon, by local provider, on orders from Natale after December TEE.

Then the 7 day sent/schedule from Austin in March.

I hope all goes with your Monitoring~!!!

Please let me know what monitor you go with and how it works for you.

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Pixie

Thanks for the additional information, Pixie.

I have an Echo scheduled soon, by local provider, on orders from Natale after December TEE.

Then the 7 day sent/schedule from Austin in March.

I hope all goes with your Monitoring~!!!



Please let me know what monitor you go with and how it works for you.

Hi Pixie

Well they finally sent the monitor, it was the Bardy Cam. My Nurse Navigator said they'd contact me before mailing, they never did . . . then said they were running behind. It finally just showed up in the mail. Just dropped it back off at the post office today after my 7 days. Had two red bumps at the upper portion and down towards the end little red and irritated so looks like so far not nearly as bad as the 30 day Holter and 4 patch places.

Now the waiting begins to hear what it shows. My Brady seemed to be a little more this past week in the 40's and only thing that has changed was a recent medication switch in October and new Endocrinologist basically refused to write a script for Armour which I'd been on for 15+ years . . . 88 mcg Synthroid (not the generic with fillers etc) then to 75 in early Feb to 50 mid-March. Too much does affect heart rate and that is an almost 50% dose reduction . . . some PAC's this week but definitely a more exaggerated marked sinus arrhythmia pattern and higher HRV. I think.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/31/2026 08:07PM by Qwackertoo.

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Qwackertoo


Thanks for the additional information, Pixie.

I have an Echo scheduled soon, by local provider, on orders from Natale after December TEE.

Then the 7 day sent/schedule from Austin in March.

I hope all goes with your Monitoring~!!!



Please let me know what monitor you go with and how it works for you.

Hi Pixie

Well they finally sent the monitor, it was the Bardy Cam. My Nurse Navigator said they'd contact me before mailing, they never did . . . then said they were running behind. It finally just showed up in the mail. Just dropped it back off at the post office today after my 7 days. Had two red bumps at the upper portion and down towards the end little red and irritated so looks like so far not nearly as bad as the 30 day Holter and 4 patch places.

Now the waiting begins to hear what it shows. My Brady seemed to be a little more this past week in the 40's and only thing that has changed was a recent medication switch in October and new Endocrinologist basically refused to write a script for Armour which I'd been on for 15+ years . . . 88 mcg Synthroid (not the generic with fillers etc) then to 75 in early Feb to 50 mid-March. Too much does affect heart rate and that is an almost 50% dose reduction . . . some PAC's this week but definitely a more exaggerated marked sinus arrhythmia pattern and higher HRV. I think.

Thank you for the update. I am glad the Bardy Cam worked for you. I am goung with the VitalConnect in a few months, but might try the Bardy Cam based on your experience. One question for you, though. Based on where the patch was applied, did you feet that it adhered to all of the skin in that area?

I, too, am on 88 mcg.Synthroid daily. I have my TSH checked every 3 months because I know how that can affect AFIB if it is not in the normal range.
The waiting for any test results is hard for me. I should be use to it by now, though. I hope your results are ok.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/01/2026 01:57PM by Pixie.

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Pixie
Thank you for the update. I am glad the Bardy Cam worked for you. I am goung with the VitalConnect in a few months, but might try the Bardy Cam based on your experience. One question for you, though. Based on where the patch was applied, did you feet that it adhered to all of the skin in that area?

I, too, am on 88 mcg.Synthroid daily. I have my TSH checked every 3 months because I know how that can affect AFIB if it is not in the normal range.
The waiting for any test results is hard for me. I should be use to it by now, though. I hope your results are ok.

Hi Pixie

I followed the directions exactly and carefully.

After about the first 36 hours I noticed about 1 1/2” below the upper end where the electronic device was snapped into place where you activate and get the green flashes to confirm and later IF you have any symptoms to press which I never did that the skinny part lifted and created a gap of lacking 100% contact. This gap kept increasing to where I could have slipped maybe a pinky fingertip between my skin and the long skinny part. The bottom section stayed nice and attached just that one little section and with movement and sleeping I felt it was good enough as the upper section was good and the lower section was good while the middle section just seemed like the “transmission wire” to the recorder and perfect contact the full length wasn’t needed. I don’t think I could have smoothed out this gap/wrinkle without peeling either the top or bottom and stretching back out and reattaching which I think would have compromised the adhesive for reattaching. Hard to explain plus I questioned myself after attaching since they say start at bottom of sternum that I was off by just tiny bit but decided how can one size fit all with different torso lengths so I figured that it was ok.

Hopefully. I sure as heck don’t want to wear one another 7 days. Good Luck wearing whichever one you decide to use!!!

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Qwackertoo

Thank you for the update. I am glad the Bardy Cam worked for you. I am goung with the VitalConnect in a few months, but might try the Bardy Cam based on your experience. One question for you, though. Based on where the patch was applied, did you feet that it adhered to all of the skin in that area?

I, too, am on 88 mcg.Synthroid daily. I have my TSH checked every 3 months because I know how that can affect AFIB if it is not in the normal range.
The waiting for any test results is hard for me. I should be use to it by now, though. I hope your results are ok.


Hi Pixie

I followed the directions exactly and carefully.

After about the first 36 hours I noticed about 1 1/2” below the upper end where the electronic device was snapped into place where you activate and get the green flashes to confirm and later IF you have any symptoms to press which I never did that the skinny part lifted and created a gap of lacking 100% contact. This gap kept increasing to where I could have slipped maybe a pinky fingertip between my skin and the long skinny part. The bottom section stayed nice and attached just that one little section and with movement and sleeping I felt it was good enough as the upper section was good and the lower section was good while the middle section just seemed like the “transmission wire” to the recorder and perfect contact the full length wasn’t needed. I don’t think I could have smoothed out this gap/wrinkle without peeling either the top or bottom and stretching back out and reattaching which I think would have compromised the adhesive for reattaching. Hard to explain plus I questioned myself after attaching since they say start at bottom of sternum that I was off by just tiny bit but decided how can one size fit all with different torso lengths so I figured that it was ok.

Hopefully. I sure as heck don’t want to wear one another 7 days. Good Luck wearing whichever one you decide to use!!!

Thank you for letting me know about how that adhesive part worked for you on the patch. I completely understand what you mean because the VitalConnect patch does that a little too in the middle. I always assumed that if the top and bottom were ok everything was being transmitted. All we can do is hope for the best. Take care…..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2026 02:31AM by Pixie.

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Pixie


Thank you for the update. I am glad the Bardy Cam worked for you. I am goung with the VitalConnect in a few months, but might try the Bardy Cam based on your experience. One question for you, though. Based on where the patch was applied, did you feet that it adhered to all of the skin in that area?

I, too, am on 88 mcg.Synthroid daily. I have my TSH checked every 3 months because I know how that can affect AFIB if it is not in the normal range.
The waiting for any test results is hard for me. I should be use to it by now, though. I hope your results are ok.

Hello again Pixie

I guess the little gap in the monitor on my chest didn't hurt anything. My telemed appointment with the NP is Tuesday afternoon. 0.0% Afib/Flutter 2.2% PAC's (I was really worried that number would be much higher) and 0.4% PVC's and several runs of SVT's with longest being 15 beats @ maximum 158 bpm so less than 6 seconds. All the months, 35, of my implanted heart loop monitor SVT was only mentioned once in one monthly report of 43 seconds way back a year or more before my first ablation. So we shall wait and see. I also hate waiting.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/11/2026 10:54PM by Qwackertoo.

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Qwackerto

Hello again Pixie

I guess the little gap in the monitor on my chest didn't hurt anything. My telemed appointment with the NP is Tuesday afternoon. 0.0% Afib/Flutter 2.2% PAC's (I was really worried that number would be much higher) and 0.4% PVC's and several runs of SVT's with longest being 15 beats @ maximum 158 bpm so less than 6 seconds. All the months, 35, of my implanted heart loop monitor SVT was only mentioned once in one monthly report of 43 seconds way back a year or more before my first ablation. So we shall wait and see. I also hate waiting.[/quote


I am glad you shared the good news. That is great! I start my monitor in a few weeks, I sure hope I do as well as you did.

I am wearing a 72 hour Spacelabs Eclipse pro. It’s 3 electrodes taped with paper tape to my left side, right side and sternum. It’s been 37 hours of pain. My skin is blistering and I can’t shower because of the paper tape. I am considering ripping off the paper tape and replacing with Tegederm waterproof transparent sheets which I can tolerate.

It has a belt clip with a small device. It retails for 1700 UK pounds or $2300. It’s free for me. It is up to 14 days but I am lucky to be allowed 3 days. The past two I only had 24 hours each.

I had an ablation 3 months ago and see my EP afterwards for my post ablation appointment. I had arrhythmias today so it will be interesting in getting back the results. I’m flying to the states hopefully next week if I can fly out and may repeat it with a week Holter under better environmental circumstances to see if less stress will improve my burden. I feel a few PVCs /pacs a hour so my burden is low-better than my 50% burden I had before the ablation. My EF has improved from 39-44 to 50-55 (MRI) and I am physically able now to walk and use a treadmill and get my life back. If I wasn’t living in an extremely stressful environment I think it would had been a full successful ablation.

Fantastic! Good for you, Susan. I hope it continues to improve, and that your monitor results show a marked and durable improvement.

Thx gloaming!
I’m not out of breath walking anymore, my daytime o2 is back to normal so I don’t need daytime o2…however I have edema on my legs and fingers which maybe either a drug side effect or cardiac. I’m taking two different water pills a day. One increases my K so I need frequent lab work.

I would use my EP again if necessary. I’m a firm believer to remain awake during an ablation to limit the anesthesia from suppressing any arrhythmias during mapping.

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Pixie



I am glad you shared the good news. That is great! I start my monitor in a few weeks, I sure hope I do as well as you did.

Hi Pixie

I hope you get great results when you wear your monitor and get your results. Plus I hope you don't have any rash or irritation from whatever monitor they send. I think the difference for me was only 7 days vs 30 long days of exposure to adhesives. They were starting to pop up but thankfully my 7 days were over. Just finished with my Telemed with TCA and I can breathe easier and start planning our Big Family Celebration Trip to Switzerland, my favorite place on Earth~!!! Even more so than Hawaii or Alaska~!!! IF everyone is able to go, there will be 21 of us, maybe more~!!!

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Qwackertoo


Hi Pixie

I hope you get great results when you wear your monitor and get your results. Plus I hope you don't have any rash or irritation from whatever monitor they send. I think the difference for me was only 7 days vs 30 long days of exposure to adhesives. They were starting to pop up but thankfully my 7 days were over. Just finished with my Telemed with TCA and I can breathe easier and start planning our Big Family Celebration Trip to Switzerland, my favorite place on Earth~!!! Even more so than Hawaii or Alaska~!!! IF everyone is able to go, there will be 21 of us, maybe more~!!!

What a relief to get that great news!! Have a wonderful time celebrating with your family in Switzerland!!

I had a visit with my primary care provide today. I told her I was wearing a 7 day Vital Connect heart monitor. I showed her the phone I had with me that was uploading the information from the monitor. She had never seen that monitor before. She then brought up the website for the hospital the clinic is affiliated with. It is a major research and teaching hospital and my local cardiologist practices there. I learned from the website that they are now using only the BardyCam monitor. I might try that one next year. It would eliminate the need to having a phone to deal with. That is a minor detail, though, but just want to give it a try!

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Pixie
I had a visit with my primary care provide today. I told her I was wearing a 7 day Vital Connect heart monitor. I showed her the phone I had with me that was uploading the information from the monitor. She had never seen that monitor before. She then brought up the website for the hospital the clinic is affiliated with. It is a major research and teaching hospital and my local cardiologist practices there. I learned from the website that they are now using only the BardyCam monitor. I might try that one next year. It would eliminate the need to having a phone to deal with. That is a minor detail, though, but just want to give it a try!

Hi Pixie

Interesting. Do you have to have the phone with you at all times for the 7 days? Back when I had my Implanted Heart Loop Monitor, 35 months, I had the Samsung phone on my nightstand and it did the downloading and updating during the night or when I was nearby. Every so often, mainly after a power outage or flicker of the power, I'd check to make sure it was up to date/connected and maybe a couple of times it needed a software update and follow those steps when prompted. I would need to use it, rarely ever did, to place it near where the implant was, wait for vibration to press the screen for symptoms and I believe there were a few options for symptoms to choose from at that point.. I think in 35 months I only did that maybe twice. On that model, just had to wait every month for them to send the data, then my EP to sign off on the report and then wait for it to be uploaded to my patient portal. I think now Boston Scientific IHLM's have a patient portal/website where you can review the data in real time, although I hope I never need or have one again~!!!

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Qwackertoo

I had a visit with my primary care provide today. I told her I was wearing a 7 day Vital Connect heart monitor. I showed her the phone I had with me that was uploading the information from the monitor. She had never seen that monitor before. She then brought up the website for the hospital the clinic is affiliated with. It is a major research and teaching hospital and my local cardiologist practices there. I learned from the website that they are now using only the BardyCam monitor. I might try that one next year. It would eliminate the need to having a phone to deal with. That is a minor detail, though, but just want to give it a try!

Hi Pixie

Interesting. Do you have to have the phone with you at all times for the 7 days? Back when I had my Implanted Heart Loop Monitor, 35 months, I had the Samsung phone on my nightstand and it did the downloading and updating during the night or when I was nearby. Every so often, mainly after a power outage or flicker of the power, I'd check to make sure it was up to date/connected and maybe a couple of times it needed a software update and follow those steps when prompted. I would need to use it, rarely ever did, to place it near where the implant was, wait for vibration to press the screen for symptoms and I believe there were a few options for symptoms to choose from at that point.. I think in 35 months I only did that maybe twice. On that model, just had to wait every month for them to send the data, then my EP to sign off on the report and then wait for it to be uploaded to my patient portal. I think now Boston Scientific IHLM's have a patient portal/website where you can review the data in real time, although I hope I never need or have one again~!!!

I don’t need to have the phone with me at all times, but I usually do. You can be out of a WIFI area for a specific amount of time (I have that written somewhere) and when you return and have WIFI, the data saved on the patch is downloaded to the phone. The phone indicates if the “Body Contact “ is good, if the data is downloading and how many hours are left on the patch. There is other data on the phone, but those are the ones I pay attention to. I did learn that if a patch cannot be tolerated for 7 days, in my case, my EP will get the data he feels comfortable with if I wear it less than 7 days. I was glad to hear that!!

With my pacemaker, ideally I need cellular or wifi 6 hours a day. There was a situation in which I had neither for days. Once I had wifi, my pacemaker was able to transmit the missing data it had stored.

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susan.d
With my pacemaker, ideally I need cellular or wifi 6 hours a day. There was a situation in which I had neither for days. Once I had wifi, my pacemaker was able to transmit the missing data it had stored.

On my prior post about the VitalConnect monitor uploading data when I was out of the WiFi range, I should have said when the patch is out of proximity to the phone to be able to download the data. If I go to one floor of my house to another, I always have WIFI, but the patch is not transmitting the data until I get closer to the phone.

I have used VitalConnect for 3 years. For the first time, last evening the phone stated the patch was not connected to the body. Thankfully, the customer service department was still open
I was told to put a bandaid on the small strip between the two circular areas of the patch! So far this is working. I hope this is not affecting the readings…..I have 116 hours to go per the phone!!

I got my holter results back to see what my pvc post 3 month ablation burden is. My ventricular arrhythmia is <1%. Better than 50% but I was concerned if I have new areas firing because of the 7 single VE beats in 72 hours or if it is the unusual amount of stress I’m going through. Thank goodness there is AI.

Out of 307,187 beats, I had 16 ventricular arrhythmia beats:
2 VT events-one at 171HR (I felt that) for 3 beats, another VT for 3 beats
1 bigeminy event for 3 beat count,
7 single VE (ectopics) events for a total of 7 beats. One was a premature VE (pacs?) and the other six were VE (pvc?)
0 SVTs

Summary and comments
72-hour test.
Sinus rhythm, pacemaker activity observed
Minimum speed 68 beats per minute, maximum speed 91 beats per minute and average 71 beats per minute.
Ventricular arrhythmias as detailed above include short segments of Non-sustained VT (triplets).

My ablation was January 5th of this year.

According to AI, I this is good news:
A 72-hour Holter test showing only 6 ventricular ectopic (VE) beats three months after a PVC ablation is typically considered an excellent clinical outcome. A successful procedure is often defined as a reduction in PVC burden by ≥80% from baseline.

Here is a breakdown of the findings based on your description:
Significant Reduction: A reduction from a 50% burden (roughly 50,000+ beats per day) to 6 beats over 72 hours (2 per day) represents a >99% reduction, indicating high success.
Healing Period: While 3 months is a standard follow-up window, the "blanking period" (healing time where arrhythmias can briefly return) can last up to 3-6 months. A very low count like 6 suggests the heart has healed well.
Significance of 6 VEs: In a healthy heart, a few premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) daily are considered normal.
Procedural Efficacy: Recurrences of the original high-burden PVCs usually show up as significant daily totals (thousands), not single-digit counts over three days.

Common Reasons for Low-Level Post-Ablation Ectopy:
Inflammation: Residual inflammation from the ablation scars can cause minor ventricular irritation.
Routine PVCs: These could be background PVCs unrelated to the original 50% burden.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 04/19/2026 10:39PM by susan.d.

Susan, Sounds great from your Awake Ablation with strep throat too and except first and last 7 minutes being awake. Glad to hear you have such a positive Holter report and continue to improve!

Susan, it is so good to hear this news. You deserve it with all you have been through!!

Thank you. My EF recovered from 39 to 50 and I feel so much better. Hills that I labored in the past to walk I now zip by. My only concern is environmental stress that could wreck my miracle. It’s intensely stressful missiles or no missiles. It’s not just me who has the jitters.

Pixie:
I returned to my cardiologist in the states today. I was getting the heebie-jeebies from random arrhythmia and want to convince myself that my ablation was successful after 6 months since 3 prior ablations failed.

I was given a new manufacturer holter- Philips Extended Holter ePatch. It has two sensors not one. They offer sensitive skin options which I took advantage of.

So far no skin reaction. I have forgotten I’m wearing it. It’s quite small. There is a single or double lead option. My cardiologist uses the double.

Perhaps you can request this the next time you need to wear a holter.

Specs:
The Philips ePatch is an extended-wear Holter monitor that continuously records heart activity for up to 14 days. Prescribed by physicians to diagnose arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, its lightweight, water-resistant design allows patients to shower, sleep, and exercise without interrupting the monitoring process.Key Features and BenefitsComfort and Compliance: Weighs less than 1 ounce, requires no charging, and boasts a 99% patient compliance rate.Wear Options: Can be worn directly as a single-channel patch or with an optional lead-wire adapter for multi-channel recording.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/03/2026 02:58AM by susan.d.

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susan.d
Pixie:
I returned to my cardiologist in the states today. I was getting the heebie-jeebies from random arrhythmia and want to convince myself that my ablation was successful after 6 months since 3 prior ablations failed.

I was given a new manufacturer holter- Philips Extended Holter ePatch. It has two sensors not one. They offer sensitive skin options which I took advantage of.

So far no skin reaction. I have forgotten I’m wearing it. It’s quite small. There is a single or double lead option. My cardiologist uses the double.

Perhaps you can request this the next time you need to wear a holter.

Specs:
The Philips ePatch is an extended-wear Holter monitor that continuously records heart activity for up to 14 days. Prescribed by physicians to diagnose arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, its lightweight, water-resistant design allows patients to shower, sleep, and exercise without interrupting the monitoring process.Key Features and BenefitsComfort and Compliance: Weighs less than 1 ounce, requires no charging, and boasts a 99% patient compliance rate.Wear Options: Can be worn directly as a single-channel patch or with an optional lead-wire adapter for multi-channel recording.

Thank you for this information, Susan. I will be looking into this in a year when I have my next monitor. Glad it worked for you.

Day 2. It’s the worst. I’m sorry I recommended it. The sensitivity electrodes pads do not hold enough adhesive to remain on. The nurse told me I can shower with it but the enclosed brochure states the “flex” model is not water resistant, it has exposed copper connections(?) and the connection between the device and the pocket sleeve that has contact with one’s skin cannot get wet or it will fry. It has to be removed before each shower and the electrodes must be replaced every 48 hours. I called up Philips and was told the same. I need to return tomorrow to get more electrodes. Currently I’m using blue 3M painters tape because the electrodes lost its adhesive. It doesn’t bother my skin. Home Depot saved me. I can’t use tagaderm because the sleeve pocket can’t be covered otherwise it will be difficult to pull the device off the sleeve. Philips wants me to wear it an additional day because it wasn’t secured properly.

Pixie I don’t recommend it. I prefer a continuous recording without daily removal.

Quote
susan.d
Day 2. It’s the worst. I’m sorry I recommended it. The sensitivity electrodes pads do not hold enough adhesive to remain on. The nurse told me I can shower with it but the enclosed brochure states the “flex” model is not water resistant, it has exposed copper connections(?) and the connection between the device and the pocket sleeve that has contact with one’s skin cannot get wet or it will fry. It has to be removed before each shower and the electrodes must be replaced every 48 hours. I called up Philips and was told the same. I need to return tomorrow to get more electrodes. Currently I’m using blue 3M painters tape because the electrodes lost its adhesive. It doesn’t bother my skin. Home Depot saved me. I can’t use tagaderm because the sleeve pocket can’t be covered otherwise it will be difficult to pull the device off the sleeve. Philips wants me to wear it an additional day because it wasn’t secured properly.

Pixie I don’t recommend it. I prefer a continuous recording without daily removal.

I am sorry to hear this, Susan. I am sure you were hopeful about this one! Thank you for letting me know because I would have considered this for my next monitor!! I think I will stick to VitalConnect!