What is the Zio Patch?

The Zio Patch is a new piece of medical equipment, made by iRhythm Technologies Inc. based in San Francisco, USA. The Zio Patch has been created to monitor your heart rhythm for 2 weeks. The patch simply sticks to the your chest, over your heart, and can be easily peeled off once you’ve finished using it. People who have worn the patches have found them discrete and comfortable to wear. They are water-resistant so can be worn in the shower or bath, although swimming should be avoided. All the heart rhythm information from the patch is analysed by iRhythm’s computer systems and a full report is sent back to your GP. The Zio Patch has already been put through thorough testing in America and the UK. It has been approved by the USA Food and Drug Administration Department and awarded a CE mark in Europe for diagnosing atrial fibrillation.