The Heart Bug is a small waterproof cardiac patch — roughly the size of a 50-cent coin — that records your heart’s electrical activity continuously for up to 28 days. It is used to detect arrhythmias that occur too infrequently to be captured on a shorter Holter recording.
Fitting the Device
The patch is applied at a clinic appointment. A technician cleans a small area of skin below your left collarbone and attaches the device using two adhesive ECG stickers. Correct orientation is important — the sensors must face upward to record an accurate signal. Once fitted, you go home and wear it continuously, including during sleep.
Using the App
The Heart Bug pairs with the free HeartBug app (iPhone and Android) via Bluetooth. When you experience a symptom — palpitations, dizziness, or an irregular heartbeat — open the app and tap Make a Recording. The app automatically captures the 20 seconds of rhythm that preceded your tap, so the moment of your symptom is preserved even if you react a few seconds late. All recordings upload automatically to your cardiologist in the background.
Daily Life
You can shower normally with the patch in place — pat it dry afterwards. Remove it for baths and swimming. If a sticker begins to lift, it can be replaced; rotating the placement slightly each time helps avoid skin irritation.
Results
Recordings are reviewed by your cardiologist and a report is sent to your referring doctor within five to seven business days.