Electrocardiograms are generally performed if the patient experiences an abnormal heart rhythm. An electrocardiogram measures heart rate and rhythm but these abnormalities may not show up at the time of the the examination since the test only lasts several minutes, which is why many doctors may request that you wear a Holter monitor for an extended period of time to diagnose an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat.
Doctors may also order you to wear a Holter monitor if you have a heart condition that may increase the likelihood of an abnormal heart rhythm.
They may also request that you keep a diary of the activities you are performing throughout the day. About Heart Attacks. Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. Angina Chest Pain. Diagnosing a Heart Attack. Treatment of a Heart Attack. Life After a Heart Attack.
Heart Attack Tools and Resources. What is a Holter monitor? Quick facts: You may be asked to wear a Holter monitor to see if you have a slow, fast or irregular uneven heartbeat.
Or, your doctor may use it to see how well your medicines are working to treat these problems. If you have a pacemaker and feel dizzy, your doctor may use a Holter monitor to find out if your pacemaker is working properly. The results of wearing a Holter monitor will help you and your doctor decide if you need more tests or medicines for your heart, or if you need a pacemaker or cardioversion procedure to restore a regular heart rhythm.
Why do people wear Holter monitors? However, the Holter monitor can't get wet, or it will be damaged. Don't swim or bathe for the entire time you're wearing your Holter monitor. However, if you have a wireless Holter monitor, you'll be shown how to disconnect and reconnect the sensors and the monitor so that you can shower or bathe.
Holter monitors aren't usually affected by other electrical appliances. But some devices can interrupt the signal from the electrodes to the Holter monitor. If you have a Holter monitor, you should avoid the following:. Also, keep your cellphones and portable music players at least 6 inches from the Holter monitor for the same reason. If your doctor recommends a Holter monitor, you'll have the device placed during a scheduled appointment.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, plan to bathe before this appointment. Most monitors can't be removed and must be kept dry once monitoring begins. A technician will place sensors electrodes on your chest. These electrodes detect your heartbeat and are about the size of a silver dollar. For men, a small amount of hair may be shaved to make sure the electrodes stick. The technician will then connect the electrodes to a recording device with several wires and will instruct you on how to properly wear the recording device so it works properly.
The Holter monitor recording device is about the size of a deck of cards. Once your monitor is fitted and you've received instructions on how to wear it, you can leave your doctor's office and resume your normal activities. Holter monitoring is painless and noninvasive. You can hide the electrodes and wires under your clothes, and you can wear the recording device on your belt or attached to a strap. Once your monitoring begins, don't take the Holter monitor off — you must wear it at all times, even while you sleep.
The monitor is worn for 24 to 48 hours during normal activity. Electrodes small conducting patches are stuck onto your chest. These are attached by wires to a small recording monitor. You carry the Holter monitor in a pocket or pouch worn around your neck or waist. The monitor runs on batteries.
It is very important that you accurately record your symptoms and activities so the provider can match them with your Holter monitor findings. Electrodes must be firmly attached to the chest so the machine gets an accurate recording of the heart's activity.
Continue your normal activities while wearing the monitor. You may be asked to exercise while being monitored if your symptoms have occurred in the past while you were exercising. Your provider will start the monitor. You'll be told how to replace the electrodes if they fall off or get loose. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any tape or other adhesives. Make sure you shower or bathe before you start the test.
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