Portable Monitors for Taxi Driver Medicals

Most of the tests that are required for your taxi driver medical can be performed while you are at the clinic. However, you may sometimes be asked to wear a portable device so that your heart can be monitored over a longer period.

What is an Ambulatory Heart Test?

An ambulatory heart test is designed to pick up symptoms that only occur occasionally. It can detect problems that are unlikely to show up during the short time you are at the clinic. Wearing the portable device is very easy. Ambulatory monitors are small and light. You will wear the device on a belt so that it is easy to carry and you should be able to go about most of your usual activities while you are wearing it. You won’t be able to swim or take a bath, but the ambulatory test usually only lasts for 24 hours. You will then return the device to the clinic so that the data it has collected can be analysed.

Types of Ambulatory Heart Tests

Two different types of ambulatory tests may be performed as part of your taxi driver medical:

Ambulatory ECG:

an electrocardiogram or ECG monitors the electrical activity in your heart that controls the way it beats. The portable ECG can detect any irregularities or abnormalities that happen as you go about your usual routine. You will usually be asked to wear the portable ECG monitor for 24 hours if you have:

• An unusually fast or slow heartbeat
• A pacemaker
• A history of TIA or stroke
• Had an ablation procedure to treat an arrhythmia in the past

2. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor:

the portable monitor can measure your blood pressure throughout the day. You may need an ambulatory test for your taxi driver medical if you’ve had problems with your blood pressure in the past.

Ambulatory heart tests aren’t always needed for a taxi driver medical, but they can provide additional information if you have a history of certain symptoms or conditions. The portable monitors allow the doctor to track your health over a longer time, which can increase the chances of detecting symptoms that only appear occasionally.