Holter monitoring
Definition
Holter monitoring provides a continuous
recording of the heart rhythm during normal activity. The monitor
is usually worn for 24 hours to obtain a recording of a complete
day.
How the test is performed
Electrodes (small conducting
patches) are placed on your chest and attached to a small recording
monitor that you can carry in a pocket or in a small pouch worn around
your neck. The monitor is battery-operated. Your heart electrical
activity is recorded (much like the recording of an ECG), usually
for a 24-hour period, while you keep a diary of your activities.
The recording is then analyzed, a report of the heart's activity
is tabulated, and irregular heart activity is correlated with your
activity at the time.
It is very important that you accurately record your symptoms and
activities so that the doctor can correlate them with your Holter
monitor findings.
How the test will feel
There
is no discomfort associated with the test. Hair may need to be shaved
from the chest for electrode placement. You must keep the monitor
close to the body, either in a pocket or in a pouch worn around the
shoulder or neck. You can continue normal activities while wearing
the monitor.
Why
is the test performed?
Holter
monitoring is used to determine how the heart responds to normal
activity. Other times Holter monitoring is used include the following:
- When
given cardiac medication
- After a heart attack
- To diagnose an abnormal or dangerous heart
rhythm
|
