Uses for Holter monitoring
Abnormal heart rhythms and other types of cardiac symptoms can come and go. Monitoring for a longer period of time is necessary to record these events. The Hotter monitor lets your doctor see how your heart functions on a long-term basis. The recordings made by the monitor help your doctor determine if your heart is getting enough oxygen or if the electrical impulses in the heart are delayed or early. These irregular impulses may be referred to as arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms.
If you’re already being treated for heart problems, wearing your monitor can help your doctor determine if your medicine is working or if changes need to be made. It can also help them to see why you might be experiencing other symptoms of irregular heartbeat, such as dizziness, faintness, or feeling like your heart is racing or skipping a beat
How it works
The Holter monitor is small. It’s slightly larger than a deck of playing cards. Several leads, or wires, are attached to the monitor. The leads connect to electrodes that are placed on the skin of your chest with a glue-like gel. The metal electrodes conduct
your heart’s activity through the wires and into the Holter monitor, where it’s recorded.
You wear a small pouch around your neck that holds the monitor itself. It’s important to keep the monitor close to your body during the testing period to make sure the readings are accurate. Your nurse will show you how to reattach electrodes if they become loose or fall off during the testing period.
You will be instructed on how to take care of your monitor and what not to do while you’re wearing it.
You’re encouraged to participate in your normal activities during the Holter testing. This helps your doctor determine if changes in heart activity are related to your behaviors and movements.
