Palpitations
A feeling that the heart is beating fast, hard or irregularly, or seems to “skip” beats, may warrant an investigation of the heart rhythm.3
Cardiac monitoring · Saint‑HyacintheAmbulatory ECG
CardioSTAT: heart rhythm monitoring over 48 hours, 7 days or 14 days
Recording the heart’s electrical activity over several days.
Some heart rhythm abnormalities are not present all the time. Palpitations, a racing heart, dizziness or certain spells may appear intermittently and may not be visible on an electrocardiogram performed for a few seconds.
The CardioSTAT is a wearable device that continuously records the heart’s electrical activity over an extended period.
The longer the recording period, the more it becomes possible to document events that occur less frequently.
The device
What is the CardioSTAT?
The CardioSTAT is a compact ambulatory ECG recorder worn directly on the chest.12
It continuously records the heart’s electrical activity during daily activities and during sleep.
Unlike a standard electrocardiogram, which shows the heart’s electrical activity over a short period, the CardioSTAT makes it possible to observe the heart rhythm over several hours or several days.
A wider window
Why record the heart over several days?
The heart rhythm may be normal at the time of a consultation even when an abnormality occurs occasionally.4
Extended ambulatory monitoring increases the period during which the heart’s electrical activity is recorded.
This can allow the professional to compare the symptoms felt by the patient with the heart rhythm recorded at the same moment.3
A standard ECG may therefore not record an event that occurs:
- only a few times a day;
- a few times a week;
- during certain activities;
- during sleep;
- or unpredictably.
Indications
In what situations can a CardioSTAT be requested?
A health professional may request ambulatory cardiac monitoring in various situations. For example, it can be used when assessing:
Dizziness or light-headedness
When these symptoms could be associated with the heart rhythm, an extended recording can make it possible to look for a correlation between the symptoms and the heart’s electrical activity.3
Unexplained spells or loss of consciousness
In certain situations, syncope or a spell may require an investigation to look for a possible rhythm abnormality.
Suspected arrhythmia
Ambulatory monitoring can be used when a professional suspects an intermittent heart rhythm abnormality that was not observed on a standard ECG.4
Follow-up of a known abnormality
In certain situations, monitoring may also be requested to assess the frequency or duration of certain known rhythm events.
Comparisons
What is the difference between an ECG and a CardioSTAT?
12-lead ECG
A standard electrocardiogram records the heart’s electrical activity over a short period. It provides very precise information about the heart rhythm at the moment the test is performed.
CardioSTAT
The CardioSTAT continuously records the heart’s electrical activity over several days. It is particularly useful when trying to document intermittent events that might not be present during a one-time ECG.
The two tests therefore serve different purposes and can be complementary.
CardioSTAT or Holter: what is the difference?
The principle is similar: both allow ambulatory ECG monitoring.
A traditional Holter is generally worn for about 24 to 48 hours.4
The CardioSTAT allows continuous recording for up to 14 days depending on the prescribed duration.1
It is a compact device attached directly to the chest, without the box and wires associated with some traditional Holter systems.
Duration
Why choose 48 hours, 7 days or 14 days?
The duration of monitoring depends mainly on how often the symptoms or events are likely to occur.
48 hours
CardioSTAT – 48 hours
A 48-hour period may be used when symptoms occur relatively frequently. It allows continuous recording for two days and two nights.
7 days
CardioSTAT – 7 days
Monitoring over one week offers a longer observation window. It can be particularly useful when symptoms do not occur daily.
14 days
CardioSTAT – 14 days
A 14-day recording extends the monitoring period even further. It may be relevant when the events being looked for are more spaced out or unpredictable.
The appropriate duration is determined according to the clinical situation and the health professional’s request.
Your appointment
How is the device put on?
Skin preparation
The skin must be prepared to promote good adhesion of the device and adequate ECG signal quality.
Putting on the CardioSTAT
The device is placed directly on the upper chest according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Explanation of instructions
The recommendations to follow during the recording period are explained to the patient.
Continuous recording
The CardioSTAT then records the heart’s electrical activity throughout the planned period. The patient can generally continue most of their daily activities.
Data analysis
At the end of the recording, the data are analyzed to produce a report for the prescribing professional.
During the test
What happens if I have symptoms?
When a symptom occurs during monitoring, it is important to record it according to the instructions received.
Depending on how the device works, the patient can, among other things, mark the moment when a symptom occurs and note it in the diary provided for this purpose.
This information can then be compared with the heart’s electrical activity recorded at the same moment.3
It may be useful to note:
- the time of the symptom;
- its nature;
- its duration;
- the activity being performed at the time of the symptom.
The report
What types of events can be observed?
The CardioSTAT records the heart’s electrical activity, and the report can help professionals identify various rhythm events. Among other things, the system can document:1
- variations in heart rate;
- certain tachycardias;
- certain bradycardias;
- pauses;
- supraventricular premature beats;
- ventricular premature beats;
- certain conduction blocks;
- and various arrhythmias that may be present during the recording.
Interpretation of the tracing must always be performed by a qualified professional and placed in the context of the patient’s clinical situation.
Does the CardioSTAT make a diagnosis on its own?
No.
The CardioSTAT provides a recording of the heart’s electrical activity. The results must then be interpreted with the other available information, including:
- symptoms;
- medical history;
- medications;
- the physical examination;
- other cardiac tests;
- and the reason why the monitoring was requested.
A normal result does not necessarily rule out all possible causes of a symptom.
Day to day
Can I continue my activities normally?
In most situations, the CardioSTAT is designed to allow the patient to continue their usual daily activities.2
The manufacturer describes the device as compact, light and comfortable, designed for continuous ECGs.1
However, following the instructions given when the device is put on remains important to preserve the quality of the recording.
Can I shower with a CardioSTAT?
The CardioSTAT is designed to be worn for several days, and the manufacturer states that it is possible to maintain daily hygiene without interrupting the test.2
However, the specific instructions given when the device is put on must be followed. In particular, avoid handling the device unnecessarily or compromising its adhesion.
Does the device need to be removed for sleeping?
No. The CardioSTAT should normally remain in place throughout the recording period, including during sleep.
This makes it possible to obtain a continuous recording of the heart rhythm day and night.
Safety
Are there any risks?
Ambulatory monitoring is non-invasive. The main problem that can occur is a skin reaction in the area where the device is attached.
Some people may experience mild discomfort or skin irritation where the sensors are placed4, for example:
- redness;
- itching;
- irritation;
- or a reaction to the adhesive material.
Significant irritation, severe itching or symptoms suggesting an allergic reaction must be reported and may require removal of the device.
What should I do if my symptoms become severe during the test?
The CardioSTAT is a recording tool and does not replace an urgent medical assessment. Do not wait until the end of the monitoring if a potentially serious symptom occurs.
An urgent medical assessment is indicated if you have symptoms such as:
- significant chest pain or tightness;
- significant shortness of breath;
- loss of consciousness;
- severe dizziness;
- significant weakness;
- or sudden deterioration in general condition.
Depending on the situation, contact emergency services.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Does the CardioSTAT record my heart continuously?
Yes. It is a continuous ECG recording during the prescribed period.
Does the device send my heart rhythm live?
The CardioSTAT is first and foremost an ambulatory recording device. It should not be considered a real-time emergency monitoring system.
Is it painful?
The recording itself is painless. However, some people may experience skin irritation related to the adhesive.
Can I work during the test?
In many situations, yes. The whole point of ambulatory monitoring is to record the heart rhythm during usual activities. However, certain specific activities may require precautions.
Can I exercise?
It depends on the type of activity and the recommendations received. The goal is to obtain a recording that is representative of daily life, but some activities may not be appropriate depending on your medical condition or may risk compromising the device.
Why write down my symptoms?
The time when a symptom occurs can be compared with the heart rhythm recorded at the same moment. This correlation can be very useful for clinical interpretation.
Does a normal result mean my heart is normal?
Not necessarily. A normal monitoring result means, in particular, that no significant abnormality was detected during the recorded period according to the analysis performed. The final interpretation depends on the reason for the test and the overall clinical context.
Fees
CardioSTAT at Clinique IPS du Palais
Clinique IPS du Palais offers CardioSTAT ambulatory cardiac monitoring in Saint-Hyacinthe with different recording durations.
CardioSTAT – 48 hours
355 $
Continuous recording of the heart’s electrical activity for 48 hours.
CardioSTAT – 7 days
465 $
Continuous cardiac monitoring for 7 days, allowing a longer observation period when events are less frequent.
CardioSTAT – 14 days
575 $
Extended cardiac monitoring for 14 days to increase the period during which intermittent events can be recorded.
Book an appointment for a CardioSTAT → · See all our services and fees →
Do you have a requisition for cardiac monitoring?
Our team can install the CardioSTAT and explain the instructions to follow throughout the recording period. The duration of 48 hours, 7 days or 14 days must match the applicable clinical request.
Clinique IPS du Palais — Saint-Hyacinthe
Sources
- Icentia inc. CardioSTAT — Pour les professionnels de la santé. Accessed October 4, 2026. cardiostat.com
- Icentia inc. CardioSTAT — Patients. Accessed October 4, 2026. cardiostat.com
- Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Holter or Event Monitoring. Accessed October 4, 2026. heartandstroke.ca
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Holter monitor. Mayo Clinic, April 16, 2024, accessed October 4, 2026. mayoclinic.org
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes and does not replace an assessment by a health professional. If you have serious symptoms, contact emergency services.