Holter monitor

A Holter monitor is a small battery-operated device that is used to check the rhythm of the heart and heart rate of the person. The device involves the use of wires and electrodes that stick to the skin of the person and record any irregular heartbeat or activity. This is done for 24 to 48 hours as the person goes about doing their daily activities. Wearing the device does not cause any pain or discomfort.

Naturally generated electric impulses keep the blood flowing and the heart functioning normally. The device records these electric activities without sending any electricity inside the body.

Why Is The Holter Monitor Recommended?

The test is done if the electrocardiogram of a person is inconclusive and doesn’t provide the doctor with all the details about the condition of the heart.

The test is recommended if the person experiences the below-mentioned symptoms: 

• Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia.
• Fainting and dizziness without any known reason.
• Heart palpitations.

The doctor also advises the test to check if the person’s heart is getting sufficient oxygen if their medication for the heart is working effectively, and if their pacemaker is functioning properly.

The test is recommended for the following conditions- Atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia, and premature ventricular contractions.

However, it should be noted that the Holter monitor test is not considered the right option for emergency heart conditions where urgent intervention is required. The test is also not prescribed as a part of routine screening if the person is not experiencing any symptoms.

How Is The Procedure Done?

• There are no special preparations required before the test.  The person is not asked to fast or restrict any food or drinks before the test.
• The person conducting the test may shave off the person’s chest to attach the electrodes.
• The technician fixes the electrodes on the person’s chest. These are circular, sticky patches.
• Any metal objects like jewelry are required to be removed.
• The technician then helps connect the monitor to the electrodes. They instruct the person on the working of the device. The monitor can be placed in a pocket or a bag or can be worn on the body like a strap or a purse.
• The person can go about their routine without any changes in activity.
• They are instructed on how to keep track of any symptoms or irregularities. The symptoms that need to be mentioned are breathlessness, skipped and irregular heartbeats, and pain in the chest. 
• The latest devices do not require the attaching of electrodes. Instead a single unit is placed on the chest with the help of a patch.
• While using the Holter monitor the person should refrain from bathing or swimming. They should not get an X-ray done or go closer to any high-voltage area or a metal detector and a microwave oven. The person cannot wear an electric blanket or use electric razors or toothbrushes either.
• After 24 to 48 hours the monitor is returned to the technician who checks the records along with the notes made by the person and documents a final report for the doctor.
• The person gets the report within a week or two.
• Based on the results the person may be advised to get more heart tests done, take certain heart medication, or place a pacemaker. Some people are also recommended cardioversion which is a procedure that is conducted to help make the heart resume its steady pace. They may be also prescribed ablation of the abnormal rhythm.
• If the person doesn’t show any abnormalities in the heartbeats while wearing the Holter monitor, they are advised to wear a wireless monitor also called an event recorder that can be activated in the occurrence of symptoms.
• The difference between a Holter monitor and an event monitor is that the Holter monitor records the heart activity continuously for 24 to 48 hours. The event recorder has to be activated only if there are symptoms.
• Similarly, an electrocardiogram also records irregular heart activity only while the procedure is being conducted in comparison to the Holter monitor which is vigilant continuously for a couple of days. Certain abnormal activities that can be triggered by stress and anxiety are not recorded by the electrocardiogram.

Risks While Using A Holter Monitor:

• The test is painless and usually doesn’t cause any discomfort to the person. However, some people may experience irritation of the skin where the electrodes are stuck.
• Certain electrical appliances and devices can interfere with the working of the monitor and they should be avoided. They include cell phones and music players along with electric razors, microwave ovens, magnets, high-voltage electrical wires, etc.
• Water affects the working of the monitor and hence the person should avoid using it on the device.
• Excessive sweating may cause the electrodes to fall off the skin.

Conclusion:

The Holter monitor helps the doctor detect irregularities in the rhythm of the heart when procedures like the electrocardiogram cannot provide the complete information required by the doctor. The Holter monitor is different from other heart tests in terms of continuity and can record the symptoms experienced by the person in specific cases like anxiety and stress. 

The test is painless and lasts only for 24 to 48 hours with a few restrictions that a person may be required to be careful of. Although the test is not recommended in emergencies it can give the doctor valuable information on why a person experiences dizziness or fainting, irregular heartbeats, and palpitations. The test enables the doctor to decide if further investigation is needed to evaluate the heart’s health.

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