An Overview of Holter Monitor
dA Holter monitor records your heart’s activity and rhythm to help detect some heart conditions. The monitor is small, about the cell phone size, battery operated and has wires and electrodes that stick to your skin. You wear the monitor for over twenty-four to forty-eight hours while performing your daily duties. A Holter monitor Queens can determine the cause of arrhythmia, heart palpitations, and unexplained dizziness. It can also determine how well your heart medicines are working, whether the heart is getting oxygen or the peacemaker is working. The test is safe and not painful.
When do you need a Holter monitor?
Your doctor can recommend a Holter monitor if your electrocardiogram test does not show clear results. Maybe you visited your healthcare provider because of heart rhythm symptoms like heart racing or fluttering or unexplained fainting. The provider may recommend an EKG to detect your issue, but the test only records your heart for a short period. Heart symptoms will not always occur while you are in your doctor’s office. If EKG does not show what your doctor wants, a Holter monitor may help because it records more information about your heart’s activity. Since you wear the monitor for a day or two, there is a high chance it will record unusual activity.
What is the procedure for wearing a Holter monitor?
During a Holter monitor wearing, your provider will attach the electrodes to your chest. If you have hair on your chest, you may have to shave it to ensure the electrodes stay attached. Your provider will help you put on your monitor, connect it to the electrodes, and teach you how to take care of it. You carry your monitor in your pocket or bag or wear it on your waist or a strap such as a purse.
You can perform most activities while wearing your monitor. Your doctor will teach you how to keep track of your activities and symptoms. You can note symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or uneven heartbeats. Write down when the symptom occurred and what you were doing. Your doctor will compare your EKG changes with your cardiac monitor symptoms and activities.
What happens when you finish wearing your Holter monitor?
After you finish wearing your cardiac monitor as instructed by your doctor, you will return the device to the provider. The doctor will process your records, including the EKG and notes, and write a report to your specialist. You can get your cardiac monitor results within one week or two.
What happens after your Holter monitor test results are out?
The information provided by your Holter monitor helps your specialist diagnose your heart condition and develop a suitable treatment plan. A Holter monitor can show heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia, and premature ventricular contractions. Depending on the outcomes, the provider may recommend more cardiac tests, heart medications, pacemakers, ablation of an abnormal rhythm, or cardioversion.
A Holter monitor shows your heart activity, enabling your doctor to diagnose and treat certain heart issues. It can help diagnose heart rhythm abnormalities, palpitations, and unexplained dizziness. Schedule an appointment at New York Medical and Vascular Care for a Holter monitor test to determine your heart’s activity and rhythm.