What is a Holter and event monitor?
Holter monitors and event monitors are wearable electrocardiogram devices that record either 24-48 hours (Holter monitor) or up to 30 days (event monitor) of data about your heart activity.
The device consists of a small monitor that you wear in a pouch that hangs around your neck and a few electrodes that attach to your skin.
Wearing a Holter or event monitor is painless and shouldn’t interfere with any of your regular activities. In fact, that’s the point of wearing it — it records your heart activity while you’re sleeping, eating, working, or engaging in another activity.
What is an electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram is a test that monitors your heartbeat and electrical activity in your heart. It measures the amount of electrical activity in your heart and how long it takes for an electrical wave to move through your heart.
The electrical pulse is the energy that makes your heart muscle contract and pushes blood through the chambers. It’s a valuable cardiovascular diagnostic tool.
However, in-office electrocardiograms only record your heart activity for a short time. If you experience unpredictable cardiac events, a Holter monitor covers a longer period of time and is more likely to detect abnormal heart activity.
Why would I need Holter and event monitoring?
ECCA provides Holter and event monitoring to assess suspected cardiovascular health problems.
For example, if you have an irregular heartbeat or faint for no apparent reason, a Holter monitor has a better chance of recording the heart activity before, during, and after such an event.
What should I expect while using a Holter and event monitor?
Holter and event monitors are small, painless, and unobtrusive. Your physician explains how to use the monitor and how you should handle everyday activities like bathing.
In most cases, you attach the electrodes to your chest with sticky patches and make sure the wires connect to the recording device. The monitor fits into a small pouch that you wear around your neck. Then you go about your regular activities.
You also keep a diary of your activities, including the times, which helps your physician understand how your heart activity relates to your physical activity.
A Holter or event monitor shouldn’t interfere with your daily activities, although you should keep electronic devices like cell phones away from your monitor. Also, you need to avoid magnets, electric blankets and toothbrushes, and microwaves while you wear the device.
Call ECCA or make an appointment online today if you need expert, personalized cardiovascular health care and want to explore Holter and event monitoring.
