The Zio patch is a single-lead, continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring device. It is primarily employed to detect and characterize heart rhythm abnormalities, also known as arrhythmias. These irregularities in heart rhythm can range from benign palpitations to life-threatening conditions such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and bradycardia. The diagnostic capabilities extend to identifying patterns in these arrhythmias, their frequency, and their correlation with patient-reported symptoms.
Its significance lies in its ability to capture intermittent arrhythmias that might be missed during a standard in-office ECG, which provides only a snapshot of heart activity. This extended monitoring period increases the likelihood of detecting infrequent but clinically significant events, enabling more accurate diagnoses and subsequent treatment plans. Historically, Holter monitors were the standard for ambulatory ECG monitoring, but the Zio patch offers advantages such as ease of use, extended wear time (up to 14 days), and improved patient compliance, leading to more comprehensive data collection.
