Holter Test

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Holter Monitoring

Holter monitor is a portable device that measures and records heart beats continuously for 24 to 48 hours. The device is the size of a pocket. The Holter monitor and other devices that record your heart beats (ECG) as you go about your daily activities are called ambulatory electrocardiograms.

Holter monitor

Why do I need Holter monitor?

Regular electrocardiograms (ECG) record heart’s activity at one point of time during your ECG test. But abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac symptoms may occur at any time. That’s why your doctor may want to evaluate your heartbeat over time while you go about your normal activities.

  • Holter monitor is required for evaluation of fainting / syncope.
  • Holter monitoring is advised to see slow, fast or irregular heartbeat problem
  • Holter may be used to see how well your medicines are working to treat heart rhythm problems.
  • If you have a pacemaker and feel dizzy, Holter monitor may be used to find out if your pacemaker is working properly.
  • To assess risk for future heart rhythm problems in certain conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscles), after a heart attack that caused reduced pumping of the heart, or WPW syndrome (where an abnormal electrical connection exists within the heart)
  • Results of Holter monitor will help to decide if you need more tests or medicines for heart rhythm problems.

What are the risks of Holter monitor?

Wearing a Holter monitor has no risks and causes no pain.

What should I expect with the Holter monitor?

A specially trained technician will attach the Holter monitor and instruct you how to record your symptoms while wearing it.

  • The technician attaches the electrodes to your chest.
  • The technician helps you put the Holter monitor on and explains how to take care of it.
  • You can carry the monitor in a pocket or pouch or attach it to your waist.
  • Do your usual activities while you wear the monitor.
  • Don’t bathe, shower or swim while wearing the monitor.
  • The technician will show you how to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms during the test. It’s important to keep an accurate diary.
  • If you feel symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats or dizziness, note in your diary the time of day they began and what you were doing.
  • Your diary will be compared to the changes in your ECG recorded by the Holter monitor.

What happens after wearing a Holter monitor?

After the Holter test period, return the monitor to the technician. Technician will process the record of your heart activity and prepare a report for your doctor. This will include the notes in your diary. You should get the results of the test in one or two days.

What about use of electrical appliances after wearing Holter monitor?

Holter monitors aren't usually affected by other electrical appliances. But avoid metal detectors, magnets, microwave ovens while wearing Holter monitor because these devices can interrupt the signal from the electrodes to the Holter monitor. Keep your cell phones at least 6 inches from the monitor for the same reason.

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