Holter Monitoring
24 Hours Holter Test
A Holter monitor is a wearable device and type of ambulatory electrocardiogram(heart monitor)that records your heart’s rhythm and activity over 24 or 48 hours or longer. The heart monitor is battery operated and equipped with electrodes that stick to your skin. If you have abnormal heartbeat or heart palpitations, but an ECG didn’t detect anything, a holter monitor can help diagnose the problem. Doctor will advise you to wear the Holter monitor while you do your daily activities. It is a painless test and one of the best ways to identify heart problems. During the holter monitoring test, a technician attaches the electrodes (small, round, sticky patches) to the patient’s chest. In some types, there is a monitor attached to the electrodes. You can carry the monitor in bag or pocket, wear it like a purse or strap it on your waist. You would be instructed to keep track of your activities and symptoms happened during the period. The results are later matched with the Holter recording and analysed by our doctor at Medwin Heart Care Clinic.
Why doctors recommend Holter monitoring test?
Doctors can advise Holter monitoring if you have an undetermined electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), a type of heart test. ECG can only record your heart for a short period and as the heart symptoms don’t always happen during the ECG test period, it becomes imperative to do extended ECG in the form of Holter monitoring.
In cases where an ECG does not provide sufficient information, a Holter monitor can be used to gather additional data about your heart’s activity over a full day or two. This extended monitoring period increases the chances of identifying any unusual heart activity that may require further evaluation by the doctors.
Doctors recommend wearing a heart monitor to patients who are already being treated for heart issues to determine if their medicine is working, their heart is getting oxygen, or how well the pacemaker is working. This can also help them to see why you might be experiencing irregular heartbeat and other symptoms, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or feeling like your heart is racing or skipping a beat.
A Holter monitor has no risks or pain but you may feel some itchiness or irritation due to tapes used to attach electrodes to your chest. Medwin Heart Clinic provides convenient and hassle-free options for Holter Monitoring tests in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. You may expect the results soon after the test. The results which may be detected commonly includes:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Tachycardia
- Bradycardia
- Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
Our cardiologist will discuss the next steps and whether you may need heart rhythm medications or further testing.